Increase in yield by reducing gene expression

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a process for the increase in yield in a plant organisms by reducing gene expression. The invention furthermore relates to nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antisense molecules, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material, harvested material and plants.

SEQUENCE LISTING SUBMISSION

The Sequence Listing associated with this application is filed inelectronic format via EFS-Web and hereby incorporated by reference intothe specification in its entirety. The name of the text file containingthe Sequence Listing isSecond_Revised_Sequence_List_(—)13195_(—)00021_US. The size of the textfile is 1,387 KB, and the text file was created on Mar. 23, 2010.

The present invention relates to a process for the increase in yield inplants by reduction or deletion of the biological activity representedby a protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 113 or its homologsand growing the plant under conditions which permit increased plantgrowth.

The invention furthermore relates to a nucleic acid molecule SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ IDNO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39,SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO:49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ IDNO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77,SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO:103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO:121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO:139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO:157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO:175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO:193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO:211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO:229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO:247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO:281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287

and a polypeptide SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ IDNO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36,SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ IDNO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74,SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO:84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO:118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO:136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO:154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO:172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO:190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO:208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO:226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO:244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO:278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 orSEQ ID NO: 288 and nucleic acid constructs, vectors, antisensemolecules, antibodies, host cells, plant tissue, propagation material,harvested material, plants as well as agricultural compositions and totheir use.

Ever since useful plants were first cultivated, increasing the cropyield has, in addition to improving resistance to abiotic and bioticstress, been the most important aim when growing new plant varieties.Means as diverse as tilling, fertilizing, irrigation, cultivation orcrop protection agents, to name but a few, are used for improvingyields. Thus, cultivation successes in increasing the crop, for exampleby increasing the seed setting, and those in reducing the loss of crop,for example owing to bad weather, i.e. weather which is too dry, toowet, too hot or too cold, or due to infestation with pests such as, forexample, insects, fungi or bacteria, complement one another. In view ofthe rapidly growing world population, a substantial increase in yield,without extending the economically arable areas, is absolutely necessaryin order to provide sufficient food and, at the same time, protect otherexisting natural spaces.

The methods of classical genetics and cultivation for developing newvarieties with better yields are increasingly supplemented by geneticmethods. Thus, genes have been identified which are responsible forparticular properties such as resistance to abiotic or biotic stress orgrowth rate control. Interesting genes or gene products thereof may beappropriately regulated in the desired useful plants, for example bymutation, (over)expression or reduction/inhibition of such genes ortheir products, in order to achieve the desired increased yield orhigher tolerance to stress.

The same applies to microorganisms and useful animals, the breeding ofwhich is primarily and especially concerned with likewise achieving aparticular biomass or a particular weight more rapidly, in addition tohigher resistance to biotic or abiotic stress.

One example of a strategy resulting in better or more rapid plant growthis to increase the photosynthetic capability of plants (U.S. Pat. No.6,239,332 and DE 19940270). This approach, however, is promising only ifthe photosynthetic performance of said plants is growth-limiting.Another approach is to modulate regulation of plant growth byinfluencing cell cycle control (WO 01/31041, CA 2263067, WO 00/56905, WO00/37645). However, a change in the plant's architecture may be theundesired side effect of a massive intervention in the control of plantgrowth (WO 01/31041; CA 2263067). Other approaches may involve putativetranscriptional regulators as for example claimed in WO 02/079403 or US2003/013228. Such transcriptional regulators often occur in genefamilies, in which the family members might display significant crosstalk and/or antagonistic control. In addition the function oftranscription factors rely on the precise presence of their recognitionsequences in the target organisms. This fact might complicate thetransfer of result from model species to target organisms.

Despite a few very promising approaches, there is nevertheless still agreat need of providing methods for preparing organisms with fastergrowth and higher yield, especially by gene reduction methods, which donot involve the expression of a heterologous transgene.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts the vector 1bxPcUbicolic.

FIG. 2 depicts the vector 10xPcUbiSpacer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It was now found that this object is achieved by providing the processaccording to the invention described herein and the embodimentscharacterized in the claims.

Accordingly, in a first embodiment, the invention relates to a processfor the increase in seed yield and freshweight of plants. Accordingly,in the present invention, the term “yield” as used herein relates to“increase in fresh weight of seed or plant material”.

In one embodiment, the term “yield” means dry matter of seed and plantmaterial.

Accordingly, the invention relates to a process for the increase inyield, which comprises the following steps:

-   a) reduction or deletion of the biological activity represented by    the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6,    SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID    NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24,    SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID    NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42,    SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID    NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60,    SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID    NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78,    SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID    NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO:    112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120,    SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ    ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID    NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO:    146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154,    SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ    ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID    NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO:    180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188,    SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ    ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID    NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO:    214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222,    SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ    ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID    NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO:    248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272,    SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ    ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 in a    plant, and-   b) growing the plant under conditions which permit the increase in    yield in said plant.

Advantageously a genetic modification of the plant leads to an enhancedyield of seed weight and/or fresh weight in the plant. The terms“enhanced” or “increase” mean at least a 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% or 25%,preferably at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% or 70%, more preferably 80%, 90%,100%, 150% or 200% higher production in yield in comparison to thereference as defined below, that means in comparison to the plantwithout the aforementioned modification of the biological activity ofprotein of the invention.

Preferably, this process further includes the step of harvesting theseed, which is produced by the plant.

Surprisingly, the transgenic reduction or deletion of the expression ofthe protein of the invention in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred anincrease in yield as measured as an increase in seed weight and freshweight of the transformed plants.

In accordance with the invention, the term “plant” as understood hereinrelates to a monocot or a dicot plant, the whole plant, the seed, plantparts as tubers, roots, leaves or cell(s) thereof.

In accordance with the invention, a protein or polypeptide has the“activity or preferably biological activity” of the protein as depictedin SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ IDNO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38,SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ IDNO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76,SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO:86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO:120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO:138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO:156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO:174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO:192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO:210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO:228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO:246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO:280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 ifin the event its de novo activity or biological activity is reduced ordeleted leads to an increase in yield. That means the reduction ordeletion of its biological activity for example its enzymatic activityis somehow related to the increase in yield. Throughout thespecification the reduction or deletion of the bio logical activity ofsuch a aforementioned protein or polypeptide or a nucleic acid mole culeor sequence encoding such protein or polypeptide means a reduction ofits biological activity for example its enzymatic activity of at least10% preferably 20%, 30%, 40% or 50%, particularly preferably 60% 70% or80%, most particularly preferably 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%,97%, 98%, 99% or 100% in comparison to the biological activity of theprotein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ IDNO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26,SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ IDNO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64,SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ IDNO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108,SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ IDNO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126,SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ IDNO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144,SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ IDNO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162,SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ IDNO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180,SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ IDNO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198,SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ IDNO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216,SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ IDNO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234,SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ IDNO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ IDNO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286or SEQ ID NO: 288. Throughout the specification a deletion of thebiological activity of the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ IDNO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ IDNO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32,SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ IDNO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70,SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ IDNO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114,SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ IDNO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132,SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ IDNO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150,SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ IDNO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168,SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ IDNO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186,SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ IDNO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204,SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ IDNO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222,SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ IDNO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240,SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ IDNO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274,SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ IDNO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 means a total loss of theactivity. The reduction or deletion of the biological activity leads toan increase of the seed weight or the fresh weight of at least 10%, 20%,30%, 40%, 50%, 100%, 150% or 200%, preferably of at least 250% or 300%,particularly preferably of at least 350% or 400%, most particularlypreferably of at least 500% or 600% or more.

The terms “reduction”, “decrease” or “deletion” relate to acorresponding change of a property in a plant, a plant part such as atissue, seed, root, leaves, flower etc. or in a cell. Under “change of aproperty” it is understood that the activity, expression level or amountof a gene product or the metabolite content is changed in a specificvolume or in a specific amount of protein relative to a correspondingvolume or amount of protein of a control, reference or wild type.Preferably, the overall activity in the volume is reduced, decreased ordeleted in cases if the reduction, decrease or deletion is related tothe reduction, decrease or deletion of an activity of a gene product,independent whether the amount of gene product or the specific activityof the gene product or both is reduced, decreased or deleted or whetherthe amount, stability or translation efficacy of the nucleic acidsequence or gene encoding for the gene product is reduced, decreased ordeleted.

The terms “reduction”, “decrease” or “deletion” include the change ofsaid property in only parts of the subject of the present invention, forexample, the modification can be found in compartment of a cell, like anorganelle, or in a part of a plant, like tissue, seed, root, leaves,flowers etc. but is detectable if the overall subject, i.e. completecell or plant, is tested. Preferably, the “reduction”, “decrease” or“deletion” is found cellular, thus the term “reduction, decrease ordeletion of an activity” or “reduction, decrease or deletion of ametabolite content” relates to the cellular reduction, decrease ordeletion compared to the wild type cell. In addition the terms“reduction”, “decrease” or “deletion” include the change of saidproperty only during different growth phases of the organism used in theinventive process, for example the reduction, decrease or deletion takesplace only during the seed growth or during blooming. Furthermore theterms include a transitional reduction, decrease or deletion for examplebecause the used RNAi is not stable integrated in the genome of theorganism and has therefore only a transient effect or is for examplecontrolled by an inducible promoter.

Accordingly, the term “reduction”, “decrease” or “deletion” means thatthe specific activity of an enzyme or a protein or regulatory RNA aswell as the amount of a compound or metabolite, e.g. of a polypeptide, anucleic acid molecule or the fine chemical of the invention or anencoding mRNA or DNA, can be reduced, decreased or deleted in a volume.

The terms “wild type”, “control” or “reference” are exchangeable and canbe a cell or a part of the plant such as an organelle or tissue, whichwas not modified or treated according to the herein described processaccording to the invention. Accordingly, the cell or a part of plantsuch as an organelle or a tissue, used as wild type, control orreference corresponds to the cell, organism or part thereof as much aspossible and is in any other property but in the result of the processof the invention as identical to the subject matter of the invention aspossible. Thus, the wild type, control or reference is treatedidentically or as identical as possible, saying that only conditions orproperties might be different which do not influence the quality of thetested property.

Preferably, any comparison is carried out under analogous conditions.The term “analogous conditions” means that all conditions such as, forexample, culture or growing conditions, assay conditions (such as buffercomposition, temperature, substrates, pathogen strain, concentrationsand the like) are kept identical between the experiments to be compared.

The “reference”, “control”, or “wild type” is preferably a subject, e.g.an organelle, a cell, a tissue, an organism, in particular a plant or amicroorganism, which was not modified or treated according to the hereindescribed process of the invention and is in any other property assimilar to the subject matter of the invention as possible. Thereference, control or wild type is in its genome, transcriptome,proteome or metabolome as similar as possible to the subject of thepresent invention. Preferably, the term “reference” “control-” or “wildtype-”-organelle, -cell, -tissue or -plant relates to a plant which isnearly genetically identical to the organelle, cell, tissue or plant, ofthe present invention or a part thereof preferably 95%, more preferredare 98%, even more preferred are 99.00%, in particular 99.10%, 99.30%,99.50%, 99.70%, 99.90%, 99.99%, 99, 999% or more. Most preferable the“reference”, “control”, or “wild type” is preferably a subject, e.g. anorganelle, a cell, a tissue, an organism, which is genetically identicalto the organism, cell organelle used according to the process of theinvention except that nucleic acid molecules or the gene product encodedby them are changed according to the inventive process.

Preferably, the reference, control or wild type differs form the subjectof the present invention only in the cellular activity of thepolypeptide or RNA of the invention, e.g. as result of a reduction,decrease or deletion in the level of the nucleic acid molecule of thepresent invention or a reduction, decrease or deletion of the specificactivity of the polypeptide or RNA of the invention, e.g. by theexpression level or activity of protein or RNA that means its biologicalactivity and/or its biochemical or genetic causes.

The term “expression” means the transcription of a gene into structuralRNA (rRNA, tRNA, miRNA) or messenger RNA (mRNA) with the subsequenttranslation of the latter into a protein. Experimentally, expression canbe detected by e.g. Northern, qRT PCR, transcriptional run-on assays orWestern blotting and other immuno assays. As consequence of thereduction, decrease or deletion of the expression that means asconsequence of the reduced, decreased or deleted transcription of a genea related phenotypic trait appears such as the enhanced or increasedproduction of the fine chemical.

Accordingly, preferred reference subject is the starting subject of thepresent process of the invention. Preferably, the reference and thesubject matter of the invention are compared after standardization andnormalization, e.g. to the amount of total RNA, DNA, or Protein oractivity or expression of reference genes, like housekeeping genes, suchas ubiquitin.

A series of mechanisms exists via which a modification in thepolypeptide of the invention can directly or indirectly affect theyield, production and/or production efficiency of the amino acid. Forexample, the molecule number or the specific activity of the polypeptideof the invention or the number of expression of the nucleic acidmolecule of the invention may be reduced, decreased or deleted. However,it is also possible to reduce, decrease or delete the expression of thegene which is naturally present in the organisms, for example bymodifying the regulation of the gene, or by reducing or decreasing thestability of the mRNA or of the gene product encoded by the nucleic acidmolecule of the invention.

This also applies analogously to the combined reduction, decrease ordeletion of the expression of the nucleic acid molecule of the presentinvention or its gene product together with the manipulation ofadditional activities such as e.g. biosynthetic enzymes.

The reduction, decrease, deletion or modulation according to thisinvention can be constitutive, e.g. due to a stable permanent transgenicexpression or to a stable mutation in the corresponding endogenous geneencoding the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or to a modulationof the expression or of the behaviour of a gene conferring theexpression of the polypeptide of the invention, or transient, e.g. dueto an transient transformation, a transiently active promotor ortemporary addition of a modulator such as an antagonist or inductor,e.g. after transformation with a inducible construct carrying adouble-stranded RNA nucleic acid molecule, an antisense nucleic acidmolecule, a ribozyme of the invention etc. under control of a induciblepromoter and adding the inducer, e.g. tetracycline or as describedherein below.

The reduction, decrease or deletion in activity amounts preferably by atleast 10%, preferably by at least 30% or at least 60%, especiallypreferably by at least 70%, 80%, 85%, 90% or more, very especiallypreferably are at least 95%, more preferably are at least 99% or more incomparison to the control, reference or wild type. Most preferably thereduction, decrease or deletion in activity amounts to 100%.

The specific activity of a polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acidmolecule of the present invention or of the polypeptide of the presentinvention can be tested as described in the examples. In particular, thereduction, decrease or deletion of the expression of a protein inquestion in a cell, e.g. a plant cell or a microorganism and thedetection of an increase of the fine chemical level as well as incomparison to a control is an easy test and can be performed asdescribed in the examples.

The term “reduction”, “decrease” or “deletion” includes, that the reasonfor said “reduction”, “decrease” or “deletion is a chemical compound,which is administered to the organism.

Accordingly, in the following, the term “reducing”, “decreasing” or“deleting” also comprises the term “debasing”, “depleting”, diminishing”or “bringing down”. The decreased or reduced activity manifests itselfin increased yield. In this context, the yield, is increased by 3% ormore, especially preferably are 10% or more, very especially preferablyare more than 30% and most preferably are 70% or more, such as 100%,300% or 500% or more.

A protein having a biological activity of the proteins used in theinventive process preferably has the structure of the polypeptidedescribed herein, in particular of the polypeptides shown in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ IDNO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40,SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ IDNO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78,SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO:104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO:122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO:140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO:158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO:176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO:194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO:212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO:230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO:248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO:282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 or the functionalhomologues thereof as described herein, or is encoded by the nucleicacid molecule characterized herein or the nucleic acid moleculeaccording to the invention, for example by the nucleic acid moleculeshown in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ IDNO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27,SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ IDNO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65,SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO:75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ IDNO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109,SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ IDNO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127,SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ IDNO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145,SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ IDNO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163,SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ IDNO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181,SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ IDNO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199,SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ IDNO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217,SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ IDNO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235,SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ IDNO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269,SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ IDNO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285, SEQ ID NO: 287or its herein described functional homologues and has the abovementionedactivity.

For the purposes of the present invention, the terms “yield” alsoencompass the corresponding plant parts, such as, for example leaves,seed, roots or stem. Preferably the term yield is intended to encompassthe term seed fresh weight, seed dry weight, plant fresh weight, plantdry weight, leaf number, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight, root freshweight, root dry weight, number of blossoms, number of leaves, fruitfresh weight and fruit dry weight, blossom fresh weight, blossom dryweight.

The term “expression” refers to the transcription and/or translation ofa codogenic gene segment or gene. As a rule, the resulting product is amRNA or a protein. However, expression products can also includefunctional RNAs such as, for example, antisense, tRNAs, snRNAs, rRNAs,dsRNA, siRNA, miRNAs, ribozymes etc. Expression may be systemic, localor temporal, for example limited to certain cell types, tissues, organsor time periods.

In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises one ormore of the following steps

-   a) destabilizing a protein enabling the reduced, decreased or    deleted expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule    of the invention or of the polypeptid of the invention, e.g. of a    polypeptide having the biological activity of a protein as depicted    in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID    NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18,    SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID    NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36,    SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID    NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54,    SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID    NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72,    SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID    NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO:    106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114,    SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ    ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID    NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO:    140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148,    SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ    ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID    NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO:    174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182,    SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ    ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID    NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO:    208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216,    SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ    ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID    NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO:    242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250,    SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ    ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID    NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 leading to the    herein-mentioned yield increasing activity; or-   b) destabilizing a mRNA enabling the reduced, decreased or deleted    expression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of the    invention, e.g. of a polypeptide having the biological activity of    protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ    ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:    16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ    ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO:    34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ    ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:    52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ    ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO:    70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ    ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO:    104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112,    SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ    ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID    NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO:    138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146,    SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ    ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID    NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO:    172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180,    SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ    ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID    NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO:    206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214,    SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ    ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID    NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO:    240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248,    SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ    ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID    NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 or of a    mRNA encoding the polypeptide of the present invention leading to    the herein-mentioned yield increasing activity; or-   c) Increasing the biological activity of a protein or RNA e.g.    increasing the biological activity of a repressor enabling the    reduced, decreased or deleted expression of a protein encoded by the    nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the polypeptide of the    present invention leading to the herein-mentioned yield increasing    activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the biological activity of    the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6,    SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID    NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24,    SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID    NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42,    SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID    NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60,    SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID    NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78,    SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID    NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO:    112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120,    SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ    ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID    NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO:    146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154,    SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ    ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID    NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO:    180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188,    SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ    ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID    NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO:    214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222,    SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ    ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID    NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO:    248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272,    SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ    ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 or    increasing the inhibitory regulation of the polypeptide of the    invention; or-   d) Increasing the biological activity of a protein or RNA e.g.    increasing the biological activity of a repressor enabling the    reduced, decreased or deleted expression of a protein encoded by the    nucleic acid molecule of the present invention or a polypeptide of    the present invention leading to the herein-mentioned yield    increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide having the biological    activity of the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4,    SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:    14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ    ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:    32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ    ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:    50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ    ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:    68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ    ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO:    86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110,    SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ    ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID    NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO:    136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144,    SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ    ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID    NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO:    170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178,    SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ    ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID    NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO:    204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212,    SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ    ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID    NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO:    238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246,    SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ    ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID    NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID    NO: 288 by adding one or more exogenous repression factors such as a    chemical compound for example an inhibitor to the plant or parts    thereof; or-   e) reducing, decreasing or deleting the copy number of a gene e.g.    reducing, decreasing or deleting the copy number of a gene encoding    an activator enabling the increased expression of a nucleic add    molecule encoding a polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule    of the invention or the polypeptide of the invention having    herein-mentioned yield increasing activity, e.g. of a polypeptide    having the biological activity of the protein as depicted in SEQ ID    NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ    ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:    20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ    ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:    38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ    ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:    56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ    ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:    74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ    ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:    108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116,    SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ    ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID    NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO:    142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150,    SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ    ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID    NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO:    176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184,    SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ    ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID    NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO:    210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218,    SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ    ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID    NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO:    244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,    SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ    ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID    NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 or-   f) reducing, decreasing or deleting the expression of the endogenous    gene encoding the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. a polypeptide    having the biological activity of the protein used in the inventive    process such as the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:    4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID    NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22,    SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID    NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40,    SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID    NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58,    SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID    NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76,    SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID    NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO:    110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118,    SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ    ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID    NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO:    144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152,    SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ    ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID    NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO:    178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186,    SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ    ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID    NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO:    212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220,    SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ    ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID    NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO:    246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270,    SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ    ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID    NO: 288 by adding for example an antisense molecule or RNAi or    improving the activity of negative expression elements. This can be    achieved for example through the expression of the nucleic acids of    the invention or parts of it in antisense orientation or by the    expression of hairpin RNAi constructs or the simultaneous expression    of sense and antisense RNA for the nucleic acids of the invention.    Details are described later in the description or in the examples;    or-   g) Increasing the biological activity of a protein or RNA leading to    a dominant negative phenotype of the biological activity of the    nucleic acid molecule of the invention or the protein of the    invention such as a protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:    4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID    NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22,    SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID    NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40,    SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID    NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58,    SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID    NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76,    SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID    NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO:    110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118,    SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ    ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID    NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO:    144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152,    SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ    ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID    NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO:    178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186,    SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ    ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID    NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO:    212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220,    SEQ ID NO: 222; SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ    ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID    NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO:    246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270,    SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ    ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID    NO: 288. Advantageously this can be achieved for example through the    expression of the nucleic acids encoding a protein, which has lost    its biological activity and which binds to another protein in a    multimeric complex and thereby decreasing or deleting the activity    of said complex or which binds for example as a transcription factor    to DNA and thereby decreasing or deleting the activity of the    translated protein; or-   h) expression of an antibody or aptamer, which binds to the nucleic    acid molecule of the invention or the protein of the invention such    as a protein as depicted SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6,    SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID    NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24,    SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID    NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42,    SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID    NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60,    SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID    NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78,    SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID    NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO:    112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120,    SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ    ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID    NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO:    146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154,    SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ    ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID    NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO:    180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188,    SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ    ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID    NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO:    214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222,    SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ    ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID    NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO:    248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272,    SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ    ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 and    thereby reducing, decreasing or deleting its biological activity;    and/or-   i) modulating growth conditions of an organism in such a manner,    that the expression or activity of the nucleic acid molecule    encoding the protein of the invention or the protein itself is    reduced, decreased or deleted. This can be achieved by e.g.    modulating light and/or nutrient conditions, which in terms    modulated the expression of the gene or protein of the invention.

Preferably, said mRNA is one kind of the nucleic acid molecule of thepresent invention and/or the protein enabling the reduced or decreasedexpression of a protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of thepresent invention or the polypeptide having the herein mentionedbiological activity of the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g.conferring the increase in yield after decreasing the expression oractivity of the encoded polypeptide or having the biological activity ofa polypeptide having the biological activity of the protein of theinvention.

In general, the amount of mRNA, polynucleotide or nucleic acid moleculein a cell or a compartment of an organism correlates to the amount ofencoded protein and thus with the overall activity of the encodedprotein in said volume. Said correlation is not always linear, theactivity in the volume is dependent on the stability of the molecules,the degradation of the molecules or the presence of activating orinhibiting co-factors. Further, product and metabolite inhibitions ofenzymes are well known.

The activity of the abovementioned protein and/or polypeptide encoded bythe nucleic acid molecule of the present invention can be reduced,decreased or deleted in various ways. For example, the activity in anorganism or in a part thereof, like a cell, is reduced or decreased viareducing or decreasing the gene product number, e.g. by reducing ordecreasing the expression rate, like mutating the natural promoter to alower activity, or by reducing or decreasing the stability of the mRNAexpressed, thus reducing or decreasing the translation rate, and/orreducing or decreasing the stability of the gene product, thusincreasing the proteins decay. Further, the activity or turnover ofenzymes or channels or carriers, transcription factors, and similaractive proteins can be influenced in such a manner that a reduction ofthe reaction rate or a modification (reduction, decrease or deletion) ofthe affinity to the substrate results, is reached. A mutation in thecatalytic centre of an polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as enzyme, canmodulate the turn over rate of the enzyme, e.g. a knock out of anessential amino acid can lead to a reduced or complete knock out of theactivity of the enzyme, or the deletion of regulator binding sites canreduce a negative regulation like a feedback inhibition (or a substrateinhibition, if the substrate level is also increased). The specificactivity of an transporter of the present invention can be decreasedsuch that the transport rate is decreased. Reducing the stability of theencoding mRNA or the protein can also decrease the activity of a geneproduct. The reduction of the activity is also under the scope of theterm “reduced, decreased or deleted activity”. Beside this,advantageously the reduction of the activity in cis, e.g. mutating thepromotor including other cis-regulatory elements, or the transcribed orcoding parts of the gene, inhibition can be achieved in trans, e.g. bytransfactors like chimeric transcription factor, ribozymes, antisenseRNAs, dsRNAs antibodies or dominant negative proteins versions, whichinterfere with various stages of expression, e.g. the transcription, thetranslation or the activity of the protein or protein complex itself.

In the inventive process as mentioned above preferably the reduction,decrease or deletion of the biological activity represented by proteinof the invention is achieved by reducing, decreasing or deleting theexpression of at least one nucleic acid molecule, wherein the nucleicacid molecule is selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide shown in SEQ ID    NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ    ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:    20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ    ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:    38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ    ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:    56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ    ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:    74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ    ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:    108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116,    SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ    ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID    NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO:    142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150,    SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ    ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID    NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO:    176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184,    SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ    ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID    NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO:    210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218,    SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ    ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID    NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO:    244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,    SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ    ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID    NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleic acid molecule shown    in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID    NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17,    SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID    NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35,    SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID    NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53,    SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID    NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71,    SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID    NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO:    105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113,    SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ    ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID    NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO:    139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147,    SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ    ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID    NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO:    173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181,    SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ    ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID    NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO:    207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215,    SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ    ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID    NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO:    241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249,    SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ    ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID    NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287;-   c) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence, which,    as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, can be derived    from a polypeptide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4,    SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:    14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ    ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:    32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ    ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:    50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ    ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:    68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ    ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO:    86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110,    SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ    ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID    NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO:    136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144,    SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ    ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID    NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO:    170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178,    SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ    ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID    NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO:    204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212,    SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ    ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID    NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO:    238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246,    SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ    ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID    NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID    NO: 288;-   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having at least 50%    identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by    the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and having the biological    activity represented by protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID    NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ    ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO:    22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ    ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:    40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ    ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:    58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ    ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO:    76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ    ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID    NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO:    118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126,    SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ    ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID    NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO:    152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160,    SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ    ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID    NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO:    186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194,    SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ    ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID    NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO:    220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228,    SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ    ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID    NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO:    270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278,    SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or    SEQ ID NO: 288;-   e) nucleic acid molecule which comprises a polynucleotide which is    obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the    primers depicted in SEQ ID NO:92 and SEQ ID NO: 93 or SEQ ID NO:    253, SEQ ID NO: 254, SEQ ID NO: 255, SEQ ID NO: 256, SEQ ID NO: 257,    SEQ ID NO: 258, SEQ ID NO: 259, SEQ ID NO: 260, SEQ ID NO: 261, SEQ    ID NO: 262, SEQ ID NO: 264, SEQ ID NO: 265 and having the biological    activity represented by proteins as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ    ID NO: 113;-   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated    with the aid of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against a    polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to    (d or e) and having the biological activity represented by the    protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ    ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:    16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ    ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO:    34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ    ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:    52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ    ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO:    70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ    ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO:    104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112,    SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ    ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID    NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO:    138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146,    SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ    ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID    NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO:    172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180,    SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ    ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID    NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO:    206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214,    SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ    ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID    NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO:    240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248,    SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ    ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID    NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the    consensus sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 87 or SEQ ID NO: 88 or SEQ ID    NO: 89 or SEQ ID NO: 90 or SEQ ID NO: 91 or SEQ ID NO: 265 or SEQ ID    NO: 266 or SEQ ID NO: 267 or SEQ ID NO: 268 and having the    biological activity represented by the protein as depicted in SEQ ID    NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ    ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:    20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ    ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:    38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ    ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:    56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ    ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:    74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ    ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:    108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116,    SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ    ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID    NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO:    142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150,    SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ    ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID    NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO:    176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184,    SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ    ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID    NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO:    210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218,    SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ    ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID    NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO:    244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,    SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ    ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID    NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 28;-   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having the    biological activity represented by the protein as depicted in SEQ ID    NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ    ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:    20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ    ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:    38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ    ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:    56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ    ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:    74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ    ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:    108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116,    SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ    ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID    NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO:    142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150,    SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ    ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID    NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO:    176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184,    SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ    ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID    NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO:    210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218,    SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ    ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID    NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO:    244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,    SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ    ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID    NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   i) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable    nucleic acid library under stringent hybridisation conditions with a    probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule    of (a) or (b) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt,    preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the    nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (c) and encoding a    polypeptide having the biological activity represented by protein of    the invention or which comprises a sequence which is complementary    thereto.

Moreover, the regulation of the abovementioned nucleic acid sequencesmay be modified so that gene expression is decreased. This reduction,decrease or deletion (reduction, decrease, deletion, inactivation ordown-regulation shall be used as synonyms throughout the specification)can be achieved as mentioned above by all methods known to the skilledperson, preferably by double-stranded RNA interference (dsRNAi),introduction of an antisense nucleic acid, a ribozyme, an antisensenucleic acid combined with a ribozyme, a nucleic acid encoding aco-suppressor, a nucleic acid encoding a dominant negative protein, DNA-or protein-binding factors targeting said gene or -RNA or -proteins, RNAdegradation inducing viral nucleic acids and expression systems, systemsfor inducing a homologous recombination of said genes, mutations in saidgenes or a combination of the above.

In general, an activity of a gene product in a plant or part thereof, inparticular in a plant cell or a plant tissue can be decreased bydecreasing the amount of the specific encoding mRNA or the correspondingprotein in said plant or part thereof. “amount of protein or mRNA” isunderstood as meaning the molecule number of polypeptides or mRNAmolecules in a plant, a plant tissue, a plant cell or a cellcompartment. “Decrease” in the amount of a protein means thequantitative decrease of the molecule number of said protein in a plant,a plant tissue, a plant cell or a cell compartment—for example by one ofthe methods described herein below—in comparison to a wild type, controlor reference.

In this context, inactivation means that the enzymatic or biologicalactivity of the polypeptides encoded is no longer detectable in theplant or in the plant cell. For the purposes of the invention, downregulation (=reduction) means that the enzymatic or biological activityof the polypeptides encoded is partly or completely reduced incomparison with the activity of the untreated plant. This can beachieved by different cell-biological mechanisms. In this context, theactivity can be down regulated in the entire plant or in individualparts of the plant, for example in tissues such as the seed, the leaf,the root or other parts. In this context, the enzymatic activity orbiological activity is reduced by at least 10%, advantageously at least20%, preferably at least 30%, especially preferably at least 40%, 50% or60%, very especially preferably at least 70%, 80%, 85% or 90% or more,very especially preferably are at least 95%, more preferably are atleast 99% or more in comparison to the control, reference or wild type.Most preferably the reduction, decrease or deletion in activity amountsto 100%.

Various strategies for reducing the quantity, the expression, theactivity or the function of proteins encoded by the nucleic acids or thenucleic acid sequences itself according to the invention are encompassedin accordance with the invention. The skilled worker will recognize thata series of different methods are available for influencing the quantityof a protein, the activity or the function in the desired manner.

The term “biological activity” means the biological function of theprotein of the invention. In contrast to the term “biological activity”the term “activity” means the increase in yield produced by theinventive process. The term “biological activity” preferably refers tofor example the enzymatic function, transporter or carrier function,DNA-packaging function, heat shock protein function, recombinationprotein function or regulatory function of a peptide or protein in aplant, a plant tissue, a plant cell or a cell compartment. Suitablesubstrates are low-molecular-weight compounds and also the proteininteraction partners of a protein. The term “reduction” of thebiological function refers, for example, to the quantitative reductionin binding capacity or binding strength of a protein for at least onesubstrate in a plant, a plant tissue, a plant cell or a cellcompartment—for example by one of the methods described herein below—incomparison with the wild type of the same genus and species to whichthis method has not been applied, under otherwise identical conditions(such as, for example, culture conditions, age of the plants and thelike). Reduction is also understood as meaning the modification of thesubstrate specificity as can be expressed for example, by the kcat/Kmvalue. In this context, a reduction of the function of at least 10%,advantageously of at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, especiallypreferably of at least 40%, 50% or 60%, very especially preferably of atleast 70%, 80%, 90% or 95%, in comparison with the untreated plant isadvantageous. A particularly advantageous embodiment is the inactivationof the function, e.g. the function of a transporter membrane protein.Binding partners for the protein can be identified in the manner withwhich the skilled worker is familiar, for example by the yeast 2-hybridsystem.

A modification, i.e. a decrease, can be caused by endogenous orexogenous factors. For example, a decrease in activity in a plant or apart thereof can be caused by adding a chemical compound such as anantagonist to the media, nutrition, soil of the plants or to the plantsthemselves.

In one embodiment the increase in yield can be achieved by decreasingthe endogenous level of the polypeptide of the invention. Accordingly,in an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention relatesto a process, wherein the gene copy number of a gene encoding thepolynucleotide or nucleic acid molecule of the invention is decreased.Further, the endogenous level of the polypeptide of the invention canfor example be decreased by modifying the transcriptional ortranslational regulation of the polypeptide.

A further embodiment of the inventive process is a process, whereby thereduction or deletion of the biological activity represented by theprotein used in the inventive process is achieved by a processcomprising a step selected from the group consisting of:

-   (a) introducing of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a ribonucleic    acid sequence, which are able to form double-stranded ribonucleic    acid molecules, whereby the sense strand of said double-stranded    ribonucleic acid molecules has a homology of at least 30% to a    nucleic acid molecule conferring the expression of or encoding a    protein having the biological activity of the protein as depicted in    SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO:    10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ    ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:    28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ    ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:    46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ    ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO:    64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ    ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO:    82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106,    SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ    ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID    NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO:    132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140,    SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ    ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID    NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO:    166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174,    SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ    ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID    NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO:    200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208,    SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ    ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID    NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO:    234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242,    SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ    ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID    NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO:    284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 or comprising a fragment of at    least 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 base pairs of a nucleic    acid molecule with a homology of at least 50% to a nucleic acid    molecule conferring the expression of a protein having the    biological activity of the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ    ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12,    SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID    NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30,    SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID    NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48,    SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID    NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66,    SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID    NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84,    SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ    ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID    NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO:    126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134,    SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ    ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID    NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO:    160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168,    SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ    ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID    NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO:    194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202,    SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ    ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID    NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO:    228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236,    SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ    ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID    NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO:    278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286    or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   (b) introducing an antisense nucleic acid molecule, whereby the    antisense nucleic acid molecule has a homology of at least 30% to a    nucleic acid molecule antisense to a nucleic acid molecule encoding    a protein having the biological activity of the protein as depicted    in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID    NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18,    SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID    NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36,    SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID    NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54,    SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID    NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72,    SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID    NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO:    106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114,    SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ    ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID    NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO:    140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148,    SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ    ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID    NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO:    174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182,    SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ    ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID    NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO:    208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216,    SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ    ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID    NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO:    242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250,    SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ    ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID    NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288; or conferring the    expression of a protein having the biological activity of a protein    having the biological activity of the protein as depicted in SEQ ID    NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ    ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:    20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ    ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:    38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ    ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:    56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ    ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:    74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ    ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:    108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116,    SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ    ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID    NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO:    142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150,    SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ    ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID    NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO:    176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184,    SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ    ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID    NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO:    210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218,    SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ    ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID    NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO:    244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,    SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ    ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID    NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288; or introducing an antisense nucleic acid    molecule comprising a fragment of at least 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,    21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 base pairs of a nucleic acid molecule with a    homology of at least 50% to an antisense nucleic acid molecule to a    nucleic acid molecule conferring the expression of a protein having    the biological activity of protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ    ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12,    SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID    NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30,    SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID    NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48,    SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID    NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66,    SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID    NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84,    SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ    ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID    NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO:    126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134,    SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ    ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID    NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO:    160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168,    SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ    ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID    NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO:    194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202,    SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ    ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID    NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO:    228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236,    SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ    ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID    NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO:    278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286    or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   (c) introducing of a ribozyme which specifically cleaves a nucleic    acid molecule conferring expression of a protein having the    biological activity of protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID    NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ    ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO:    22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ    ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:    40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ    ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:    58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ    ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO:    76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ    ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID    NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO:    118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126,    SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ    ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID    NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO:    152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160,    SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ    ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID    NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO:    186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194,    SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ    ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID    NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO:    220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228,    SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ    ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID    NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO:    270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278,    SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or    SEQ ID NO: 288;-   (d) introducing of the antisense nucleic acid molecule characterized    in (b) or the ribozyme characterized in (c);-   (e) introducing of a sense nucleic acid molecule conferring the    expression of a nucleic acid molecule as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 1,    SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO:    11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ    ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO:    29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ    ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO:    47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ    ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO:    65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ    ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO:    83 or SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107,    SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ    ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID    NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO:    133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141,    SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ    ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID    NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO:    167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175,    SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ    ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID    NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO:    201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209,    SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ    ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID    NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO:    235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243,    SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ    ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID    NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO:    285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 or a nucleic acid molecule encoding a    polypeptide or part of it (need not to encode a functional protein)    having at least 50% identity with the amino acid sequence of the    polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of used in the    inventive process and having the biological activity represented by    the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6,    SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID    NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24,    SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID    NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42,    SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID    NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60,    SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID    NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78,    SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID    NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO:    112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120,    SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ    ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID    NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO:    146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154,    SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ    ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID    NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO:    180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188,    SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ    ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID    NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO:    214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222,    SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ    ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID    NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO:    248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272,    SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ    ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 for    inducing a cosuppression of the endogenous protein having a    biological activity of the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ    ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12,    SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID    NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30,    SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID    NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48,    SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID    NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66,    SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID    NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84,    SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ    ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID    NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO:    126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134,    SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ    ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID    NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO:    160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168,    SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ    ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID    NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO:    194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202,    SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ    ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID    NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO:    228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236,    SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ    ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID    NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO:    278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286    or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   (f) introducing a nucleic acid molecule conferring the expression of    a dominant-negative mutant of a protein having the biological    activity of a protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ    ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14,    SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID    NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32,    SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID    NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50,    SEQ. ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID    NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68,    SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID    NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86,    SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ    ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID    NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO:    128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136,    SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ    ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID    NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO:    162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170,    SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ    ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID    NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO:    196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204,    SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ    ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID    NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO:    230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238,    SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ    ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID    NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO:    280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO:    288 that means by expressing said sequence leading to the    dominant-negative mutant protein thereby the biological activity of    the protein used in the inventive process is reduced, decreased or    deleted and therefore the yield is increased;-   (g) introducing a nucleic acid molecule encoding a factor, which    binds to a nucleic acid molecule conferring the expression of a    protein having the biological activity of a protein as depicted in    SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO:    10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ    ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:    28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ    ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:    46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ    ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO:    64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ    ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO:    82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106,    SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ    ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID    NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO:    132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140,    SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ    ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID    NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO:    166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174,    SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ    ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID    NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO:    200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208,    SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ    ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID    NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO:    234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242,    SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ    ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO. 274, SEQ ID    NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO:    284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   (h) introducing a viral nucleic acid molecule conferring the decline    of a RNA molecule conferring the expression of a protein having the    biological activity of a protein used in the inventive process    especially a protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ    ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14,    SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID    NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32,    SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID    NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50,    SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID    NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68,    SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID    NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86,    SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ    ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID    NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO:    128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136,    SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ    ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID    NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO:    162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170,    SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ    ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID    NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO:    196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204,    SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ    ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID    NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO:    230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238,    SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ    ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID    NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO:    280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO:    288;-   (i) introducing a nucleic acid construct capable to recombine with a    endogenous gene conferring the expression of a protein having the    biological activity of a protein used in the inventive process    especially a protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ    ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14,    SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID    NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32,    SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID    NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50,    SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID    NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68,    SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID    NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86,    SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ    ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID    NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO:    128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136,    SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ    ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID    NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO:    162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170,    SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ    ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID    NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO:    196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204,    SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ    ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID    NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO:    230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238,    SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ    ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID    NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO:    280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO:    288;-   (j) introducing a non-silent mutation in an endogenous gene    conferring the expression of a protein having the biological    activity of a protein used in the inventive process especially a    protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ    ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:    16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ    ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO:    34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ    ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:    52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ    ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO:    70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ    ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO:    104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112,    SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ    ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID    NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO:    138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146,    SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ    ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID    NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO:    172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180,    SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ    ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID    NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO:    206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214,    SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ    ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID    NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO:    240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248,    SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ    ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID    NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   (k) selecting of a non-silent mutation in a nucleic acid sequence    encoding a protein having the biological activity of a protein used    in the inventive process especially a protein as depicted in SEQ ID    NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ    ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:    20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ    ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:    38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID, NO: 46, SEQ    ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:    56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ    ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:    74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ    ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:    108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116,    SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ    ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID    NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO:    142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150,    SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ    ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID    NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO:    176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184,    SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ    ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID    NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO:    210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218,    SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ    ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID    NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO:    244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,    SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ    ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID    NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 from a randomly mutagenized population of    organisms used in the inventive process; and/or-   (l) introducing an expression construct conferring the expression of    nucleic acid molecule characterized in any one of (a) to (k).

As the skilled person knows it is possible starting from the nucleicacid sequences mentioned under point (a) to (j) above it is easypossible to isolate the 5′- and/or 3′-regions of said nucleic acidsequences and to use said 5′- and/or 3′-sequences for the reduction,decrease or deletion of the nucleic acid sequences used in the inventiveprocess according to the different process steps (a) to (j) mentionedabove. Preferably less than 1000 bp, 900 bp, 800 bp or 700 bp,particular preferably less than 600 bp, 500 bp, 400 bp, 300 bp, 200 bpor 100 bp of the 5′- and/or 3′-region of the said nucleic acid sequenceare used.

The aforementioned process steps of the reduction or deletion of thebiological activity represented by the protein of the invention lead toan increase in yield.

A reduction in the activity or the function is preferably achieved by areduced expression of a gene encoding the protein of the inventiveprocess.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention to reduce the biologicalactivity of the protein of the inventive process, said reduction of theactivity or function can be achieved using the following methods:

-   a) introduction of a double-stranded RNA nucleic acid sequence    (dsRNA) as described above or of an expression cassette, or more    than one expression cassette, ensuring the expression of the latter;-   b) introduction of an antisense nucleic acid sequence or of an    expression cassette ensuring the expression of the latter.    Encompassed are those methods in which the antisense nucleic acid    sequence is directed against a gene (i.e. genomic DNA sequences) or    a gene transcript (i.e. RNA sequences) including the 5′ and 3′    non-translated regions. Also encompassed are α-anomeric nucleic acid    sequences;-   c) introduction of an antisense nucleic acid sequence in combination    with a ribozyme or of an expression cassette ensuring the expression    of the former;-   d) introduction of sense nucleic acid sequences for inducing    cosuppression or of an expression cassette ensuring the expression    of the former;-   e) introduction of a nucleic acid sequence encoding    dominant-negative protein or of an expression cassette ensuring the    expression of the latter,-   f) introduction of DNA-, RNA- or protein-binding factors against    genes, RNA's or proteins or of an expression cassette ensuring the    expression of the latter;-   g) introduction of viral nucleic acid sequences and expression    constructs which bring about the degradation of RNA, or of an    expression cassette ensuring the expression of the former;-   h) introduction of constructs for inducing homologous recombination    on endogenous genes, for example for generating knockout mutants;-   i) introduction of mutations into endogenous genes for generating a    loss of function (e.g. generation of stop codons, reading-frame    shifts and the like); and/or-   j) identifying a non silent mutation e.g. generation of stop codons,    reading-frame shifts, inversions and the like in random mutagenized    population according to the so called tilling method.-   k) introduction of constructs for expression of an antibody which    specifically binds and thereby inactivates the polypeptides of the    invention.

Each of these methods may bring about a reduction in the expression, theactivity or the function for the purposes of the invention. A combineduse is also feasible. Further methods are known to the skilled workerand may encompass hindering or preventing processing of the protein,transport of the protein or its mRNA, inhibition of ribosomalattachment, inhibition of RNA splicing, induction of an enzyme whichdegrades RNA or the protein of the invention and/or inhibition oftranslational elongation or termination.

What follows is a brief description of the individual preferred methods:

A) Introduction of a Double-Stranded RNA Nucleic Acid Sequence (dsRNA)

The method of regulating genes by means of double-stranded RNA(“double-stranded RNA interference”; dsRNAi) has been describedextensively for animal, yeast fungi and plant organisms such asNeurospora, Zebrafish, Drosophila, mice, planaria, humans, Trypanosoma;petunia or Arabidopsis (for example Matzke M A et al. (2000) Plant Mol.Biol. 43: 401-415; Fire A. et al. (1998) Nature 391: 806-811; WO99/32619; WO 99/53050; WO 00/68374; WO 00/44914; WO 00/44895; WO00/49035; WO 00/63364). In addition RNAi is also documented as anadvantageously tool for the repression of genes in bacteria such as E.coli for example by Tchurikov et al. [J. Biol. Chem., 2000, 275 (34):26523-26529]. Fire et al. named the phenomenon RNAi for RNAinterference. The techniques and methods described in the abovereferences are expressly referred to. Efficient gene suppression canalso be observed in the case of transient expression or followingtransient transformation, for example as the consequence of a biolistictransformation (Schweizer P et al. (2000) Plant J 2000 24: 895-903).dsRNAi methods are based on the phenomenon that the simultaneousintroduction of complementary strand and counterstrand of a genetranscript brings about highly effective suppression of the expressionof the gene in question. The resulting phenotype is very similar to thatof an analogous knock-out mutant (Waterhouse P M et al. (1998) Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95: 13959-64).

Tuschl et al. [Gens Dev., 1999, 13 (24): 3191-3197] was able to showthat the efficiency of the RNAi method is a function of the length ofthe duplex, the length of the 3′-end overhangs, and the sequence inthese overhangs. Based on the work of Tuschl et al. and assuming thatthe underlining principles are conserved between different species thefollowing guidelines can be given to the skilled worker:

-   -   to achieve good results the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of        the used nucleic acid sequence and regions close to the start        codon should be in general avoided as this regions are richer in        regulatory protein binding sites and interactions between RNAi        sequences and such regulatory proteins might lead to undesired        interactions;    -   in plants the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of the used nucleic        acid sequence and regions close to the start codon preferably 50        to 100 nt upstream of the start codon give good results and        therefore should not be avoided;    -   preferably a region of the used mRNA is selected, which is 50 to        100 nt (=nucleotides or bases) downstream of the AUG start        codon;    -   only dsRNA (=double-stranded RNA) sequences from exons are        useful for the method, as sequences from introns have no effect;    -   the G/C content in this region should be greater than 30% and        less than 70% ideally around 50%;    -   a possible secondary structure of the target mRNA is less        important for the effect of the RNAi method.

The dsRNAi method has proved to be particularly effective andadvantageous for reducing the expression of the nucleic acid sequencesof the SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ IDNO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27,SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ IDNO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65,SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO:75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ IDNO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109,SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ IDNO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127,SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ IDNO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145,SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ IDNO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163,SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ IDNO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181,SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ IDNO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199,SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ IDNO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217,SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ IDNO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235,SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ IDNO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269,SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ IDNO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO:287 and/or homologs thereof. As described inter alia in WO 99/32619,dsRNAi approaches are clearly superior to traditional antisenseapproaches.

The invention therefore furthermore relates to double-stranded RNAmolecules (dsRNA molecules) which, when introduced into an organism,advantageously into a plant (or a cell, tissue, organ or seed derivedtherefrom), bring about increased yield activity by the reduction in theexpression of the nucleic acid sequences of the SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ IDNO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41,SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ IDNO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79,SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO:105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO:123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO:141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO:159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO:177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO:195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO:213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO:231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO:249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO:283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 and/or homologs thereof. In adouble-stranded RNA molecule for reducing the expression of an proteinencoded by a nucleic acid sequence of one of the SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ IDNO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ IDNO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31,SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO:41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ IDNO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69,SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO:79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ IDNO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113,SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ IDNO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131,SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ IDNO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149,SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ IDNO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167,SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ IDNO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185,SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ IDNO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203,SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ IDNO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221,SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ IDNO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239,SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ IDNO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273,SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ IDNO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 and/or homologs thereof,

-   i) one of the two RNA strands is essentially identical to at least    part of a nucleic acid sequence, and-   ii) the respective other RNA strand is essentially identical to at    least part of the complementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence.

The term “essentially identical” refers to the fact that the dsRNAsequence may also include insertions, deletions and individual pointmutations in comparison to the target sequence while still bringingabout an effective reduction in expression. Preferably, the homology asdefined above amounts to at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, 50%,60%, 70% or 80%, very especially preferably at least 90%, mostpreferably 100%, between the “sense” strand of an inhibitory dsRNA and apart-segment of a nucleic acid sequence of the invention including in apreferred embodiment of the invention their endogenous 5′- and 3′untranslated regions or between the “antisense” strand and thecomplementary strand of a nucleic acid sequence, respectively. Thepart-segment amounts to at least 10 bases, preferably at least 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 bases, especiallypreferably at least 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 bases, very especiallypreferably at least 100, 200, 300 or 400 bases, most preferably at least500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or more bases or at least 1000 or 2000 bases ormore in length. In another preferred embodiment of the invention thepart-segment amounts to 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27bases, preferably to 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 bases. These shortsequences are preferred in plants. The longer sequences preferablybetween 200 and 800 bases are also useable in plants. Longdouble-stranded RNAs are processed in the plant into many siRNAs(=small/short interfering RNAs) for example by the protein Dicer, whichis a ds-specific Rnase III enzyme. As an alternative, an “essentiallyidentical” dsRNA may also be defined as a nucleic acid sequence, whichis capable of hybridizing with part of a gene transcript (for example in400 mM NaCl, 40 mM PIPES pH 6.4, 1 mM EDTA at 50° C. or 70° C. for 12 to16 h).

The dsRNA may consist of one or more strands of polymerizedribonucleotides. Modification of both the sugar-phosphate backbone andof the nucleosides may furthermore be present. For example, thephosphodiester bonds of the natural RNA can be modified in such a waythat they encompass at least one nitrogen or sulfur heteroatom. Basesmay undergo modification in such a way that the activity of, forexample, adenosine deaminase is restricted. These and othermodifications are described herein below in the methods for stabilizingantisense RNA.

The dsRNA can be prepared enzymatically; it may also be synthesizedchemically, either in full or in part. Short dsRNA up to 30 bp, whicheffectively mediate RNA interference, can be for example efficientlygenerated by partial digestion of long dsRNA templates using E. coliribonuclease III (RNase III). (Yang, D., et al. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. USA 99, 9942.)

The double-stranded structure can be formed starting from a single,self-complementary strand or starting from two complementary strands. Ina single, self-complementary strand, “sense” and “antisense” sequencecan be linked by a linking sequence (“linker”) and form for example ahairpin structure. Preferably, the linking sequence may take the form ofan intron, which is spliced out following dsRNA synthesis. The nucleicacid sequence encoding a dsRNA may contain further elements such as, forexample, transcription termination signals or polyadenylation signals.If the two strands of the dsRNA are to be combined in a cell or a plant,this can be brought about in a variety of ways:

-   a) transformation of the cell or of the plant, with a vector    encompassing the two expression cassettes;-   b) cotransformation of the cell or of the plant, with two vectors,    one of which encompasses the expression cassettes with the “sense”    strand while the other encompasses the expression cassettes with the    “antisense” strand;-   c) supertransformation of the cell or of the plant, with a vector    encompassing the expression cassettes with the “sense” strand, after    the cell or the plant had already been transformed with a vector    encompassing the expression cassettes with the “antisense” strand;-   d) hybridization e.g. crossing of two organisms, advantageously of    plants, each of which has been transformed with one vector, one of    which encompasses the expression cassettes with the “sense” strand    while the other encompasses the expression cassettes with the    “antisense” strand;-   e) introduction of a construct comprising two promoters that lead to    transcription of the desired sequence from both directions; and/or-   f) infecting of the cell or of the plant with an engineered virus,    which is able to produce the desired dsRNA molecule.

Formation of the RNA duplex can be initiated either outside the cell orwithin the cell. If the dsRNA is synthesized outside the target cell orplant it can be introduced into the plant or a cell of the plant byinjection, microinjection, electroporation, high velocity particles, bylaser beam or mediated by chemical compounds (DEAE-dextran,calcium-phosphate, liposomes).

As shown in WO 99/53050, the dsRNA may also encompass a hairpinstructure, by linking the “sense” and “antisense” strands by a “linker”(for example an intron). The self-complementary dsRNA structures arepreferred since they merely require the expression of a construct andalways encompass the complementary strands in an equimolar ratio.

The expression cassettes encoding the “antisense” or the “sense” strandof the dsRNA or the self-complementary strand of the dsRNA arepreferably inserted into a vector and stably inserted into the genome ofa plant, using the methods described herein below (for example usingselection markers), in order to ensure permanent expression of thedsRNA. Transient expression with bacterial or viral vectors are similaruseful.

The dsRNA can be introduced using an amount which makes possible atleast one copy per cell. A larger amount (for example at least 5, 10,100, 500 or 1 000 copies per cell) may bring about more efficientreduction.

As has already been described, 100% sequence identity between the dsRNAand a gene transcript of a nucleic acid sequence of one of the SEQ IDNO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ IDNO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29,SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ IDNO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67,SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ IDNO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111,SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ IDNO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129,SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ IDNO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147,SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ IDNO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165,SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ IDNO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183,SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ IDNO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201,SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ IDNO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219,SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ IDNO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237,SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ IDNO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271,SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ IDNO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 or its homologis not necessarily required in order to bring about effective reductionin the expression. The advantage is, accordingly, that the method istolerant with regard to sequence deviations as may be present as aconsequence of genetic mutations, polymorphisms or evolutionarydivergences. Thus, for example, using the dsRNA, which has beengenerated starting from a sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3,SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13,SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ IDNO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51,SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ IDNO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105,SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ IDNO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123,SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ IDNO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141,SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ IDNO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159,SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ IDNO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177,SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ IDNO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195,SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ IDNO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213,SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ IDNO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231,SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ IDNO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249,SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ IDNO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283,SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 or homologs thereof of one plant, maybe used to suppress the corresponding expression in another plant.

Due to the high degree of sequence homology between SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ IDNO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ IDNO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31,SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO:41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ IDNO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69,SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO:79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ IDNO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111 and SEQ ID NO:113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO:131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO:149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO:167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO:185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO:203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO:221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO:239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO:273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 respectively from variousorganisms (e.g. plants), allows the conclusion that these proteins maybe conserved to a high degree within, for example other plants, it isoptionally possible so that the expression of a dsRNA derived from oneof the disclosed sequences as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23,SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ IDNO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61,SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO:71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ IDNO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105,SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ IDNO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123,SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ IDNO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141,SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ IDNO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159,SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ IDNO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177,SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ IDNO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195,SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ IDNO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213,SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ IDNO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231,SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ IDNO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249,SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ IDNO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283,SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 or homologs thereof should also have anadvantageous effect in other plant species.

The dsRNA can be synthesized either in vivo or in vitro. To this end, aDNA sequence encoding a dsRNA can be introduced into an expressioncassette under the control of at least one genetic control element (suchas, for example, promoter, enhancer, silencer, splice donor or spliceacceptor or polyadenylation signal). Suitable advantageous constructsare described herein below. Polyadenylation is not required, nor doelements for initiating translation have to be present

A dsRNA can be synthesized chemically or enzymatically. Cellular RNApolymerases or bacteriophage RNA polymerases (such as, for example T3,T7 or SP6 RNA polymerase) can be used for this purpose. Suitable methodsfor the in-vitro expression of RNA are described (WO 97/32016; U.S. Pat.No. 5,593,874; U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,425, U.S. Pat. No. 5,712,135, U.S.Pat. No. 5,789,214, U.S. Pat. No. 5,804,693). Prior to introduction intoa cell, tissue or organism, a dsRNA which has been synthesized in vitroeither chemically or enzymatically can be isolated to a higher or lesserdegree from the reaction mixture, for example by extraction,precipitation, electrophoresis, chromatography or combinations of thesemethods. The dsRNA can be introduced directly into the cell or else beapplied extracellularly (for example into the interstitial space). Inone embodiment of the invention the RNAi method leads to only a partialloss of gene function and therefore enables the skilled worker to studya gene dose effect in the desired plant and to fine tune the process ofthe invention. In another preferred embodiment it leads to a total lossof function and therefore increases the production of the fine chemical.Furthermore it enables a person skilled in the art to study multiplefunctions of a gene.

Stable transformation of the plant with an expression construct, whichbrings about the expression of the dsRNA is preferred, however. Suitablemethods are described herein below.

B) Introduction of an Antisense Nucleic Acid Sequence

Methods for suppressing a specific protein by preventing theaccumulation of its mRNA by means of “antisense” technology can be usedwidely and has been described extensively, including for plants [Sheehyet al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 8805-8809; U.S. Pat. No.4,801,34100; Mol J N et al. (1990) FEBS Lett 268(2): 427-430]. Theantisense nucleic acid molecule hybridizes with, or binds to, thecellular mRNA and/or the genomic DNA encoding the target protein to besuppressed. This process suppresses the transcription and/or translationof the target protein. Hybridization can be brought about in theconventional manner via the formation of a stable duplex or, in the caseof genomic DNA, by the antisense nucleic acid molecule binding to theduplex of the genomic DNA by specific interaction in the large groove ofthe DNA helix.

An “antisense” nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence,which is at least in part complementary to a “sense” nucleic acidmolecule encoding a protein, e.g., complementary to the coding strand ofa double-stranded cDNA molecule or complementary to an encoding mRNAsequence. Accordingly, an antisense nucleic acid molecule can bind viahydrogen bonds to a sense nucleic acid molecule. The antisense nucleicacid molecule can be complementary to an entire coding strand of anucleic acid molecule conferring the expression of the polypeptide ofthe invention or to only a portion thereof. Accordingly, an antisensenucleic acid molecule can be antisense to a “coding region” of thecoding strand of a nucleotide sequence of a nucleic acid molecule of thepresent invention. Advantageously the noncoding region is in the area of50 bp, 100 bp, 200 bp or 300 bp, preferably 400 bp, 500 bp, 600 bp, 700bp, 800 bp, 900 bp or 1000 bp up- and/or downstream from the codingregion. The term “coding region” refers to the region of the nucleotidesequence comprising codons, which are translated into amino acidresidues. Further, the antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense to a“noncoding region” of the mRNA flanking the coding region of anucleotide sequence. The term “noncoding region” refers to 5′ and 3′sequences which flank the coding region that are not translated into apolypeptide, i.e., also referred to as 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions(5′-UTR or 3′-UTR).

Given the coding strand sequences encoding the polypeptide of thepresent invention, e.g. having above mentioned activity, e.g. theactivity of a polypeptide with the biological activity of the protein ofthe invention as disclosed herein, antisense nucleic acid molecules ofthe invention can be designed according to the rules of Watson and Crickbase pairing.

An antisense nucleic acid sequence which is suitable for reducing theactivity of a protein can be deduced using the nucleic acid sequenceencoding this protein, for example the nucleic acid sequence as shown inSEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9,SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ IDNO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47,SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ IDNO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85,SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ IDNO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119,SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ IDNO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137,SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ IDNO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155,SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ IDNO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173,SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ IDNO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191,SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ IDNO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209,SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ IDNO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227,SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ IDNO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245,SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ IDNO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279,SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 (orhomologs, analogs, paralogs, orthologs thereof), by applying thebase-pair rules of Watson and Crick. The antisense nucleic acid sequencecan be complementary to all of the transcribed mRNA of the protein; itmay be limited to the coding region, or it may only consist of oneoligonucleotide, which is complementary to part of the coding ornoncoding sequence of the mRNA. Thus, for example, the oligonucleotidecan be complementary to the nucleic acid region, which encompasses thetranslation start for the protein. Antisense nucleic acid sequences mayhave an advantageous length of, for example, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35,40, 45 or 50 nucleotides but they may also be longer and encompass atleast 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 or 5000 nucleotides. A particularpreferred length is between 15 and 30 nucleotides such as 15, 20, 25 or30 nucleotides. Antisense nucleic acid sequences can be expressedrecombinantly or synthesized chemically or enzymatically using methodsknown to the skilled worker. For example, an antisense nucleic acidmolecule (e.g., an antisense oligonucleotide) can be chemicallysynthesized using naturally occurring nucleotides or variously modifiednucleotides designed to increase the biological stability of themolecules or to increase the physical stability of the duplex formedbetween the antisense and sense nucleic acids, e.g., phosphorothioatederivatives and acridine substituted nucleotides can be used. Examplesof substances which can be used are phosphorothioate derivatives andacridine-substituted nucleotides such as 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil,5-chlorouracil, 5-iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xanthin, 4-acetylcytosine,5-(carboxyhydroxymethyl)uracil,5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine,5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, β-D-galactosylqueosine,inosine, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1-methylguanine, 1-methylinosine,2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine,5-methylcytosine, N6-adenine, 7-methylguanine,5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil,β-D-mannosylqueosine, 5′-methoxycarboxymethyluracil, 5-methoxyuracil,2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyladenine, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid,pseudouracil, queosine, 2-thiocytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil,2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil, methyl uracil-5-oxyacetate,uracil-5-oxyacetic acid, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil,3-(3-amino-3-N-2-carboxypropyl)uracil and 2,6-diaminopurine.Alternatively, the antisense nucleic acid can be produced biologicallyusing an expression vector into which a nucleic acid molecule has beensubcloned in an antisense orientation (i.e., RNA transcribed from theinserted nucleic acid molecule will be of an antisense orientation to atarget nucleic acid molecule of interest, described further in thefollowing subsection).

In a further preferred embodiment, the expression of a protein encodedby one of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ IDNO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28,SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ IDNO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66,SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ IDNO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110,SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ IDNO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128,SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ IDNO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146,SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ IDNO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164,SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ IDNO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182,SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ IDNO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200,SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ IDNO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218,SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ IDNO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236,SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ IDNO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270,SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ IDNO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO:288 or homologs, analogs, paralogs, orthologs thereof can be inhibitedby nucleotide sequences which are complementary to the regulatory regionof a gene (for example a promoter and/or enhancer) and which may formtriplex structures with the DNA double helix in this region so that thetranscription of the gene is reduced. Such methods have been described(Helene C (1991) Anticancer Drug Res. 6(6): 569-84; Helene C et al.(1992) Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 660: 27-36; Maher L J (1992) Bioassays 14(12):807-815).

In a further embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid molecule can be anα-anomeric nucleic acid. Such α-anomeric nucleic acid molecules formspecific double-stranded hybrids with complementary RNA in which—asopposed to the conventional β-nucleic acids—the two strands run inparallel with one another (Gautier C et al. (1987) Nucleic Acids Res.15: 6625-6641). Furthermore, the antisense nucleic acid molecule canalso comprise 2′-O-methylribonucleotides [Inoue et al. (1987) NucleicAcids Res. 15: 6131-6148] or chimeric RNA-DNA analogs [Inoue et al.(1987) FEBS Lett 215: 327-330].

The antisense nucleic acid molecules of the invention are typicallyadministered to a cell or generated in situ such that they hybridizewith or bind to cellular mRNA and/or genomic DNA encoding a polypeptidehaving the biological activity of protein of the invention therebyinhibit expression of the protein, e.g., by inhibiting transcriptionand/or translation and leading to the aforementioned yield increasingactivity.

The antisense molecule of the present invention comprises also a nucleicacid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequences complementary to theregulatory region of an nucleotide sequence encoding the naturaloccurring polypeptide of the invention, e.g. the polypeptide sequencesshown in the sequence listing, or identified according to the methodsdescribed herein, e.g., its promoter and/or enhancers, e.g. to formtriple helical structures that prevent transcription of the gene intarget cells. See generally, Helene, C. (1991) Anticancer Drug Des.6(6):569-84; Helene, C. et al. (1992) Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 660:27-36;and Maher, L. J. (1992) Bioassays 14(12):807-15.

C) Introduction of an Antisense Nucleic Acid Sequence Combined with aRibozyme

It is advantageous to combine the above-described antisense strategywith a ribozyme method. Catalytic RNA molecules or ribozymes can beadapted to any target RNA and cleave the phosphodiester backbone atspecific positions, thus functionally deactivating the target RNA(Tanner N K (1999) FEMS Microbiol. Rev. 23(3): 257-275). The ribozymeper se is not modified thereby, but is capable of cleaving furthertarget RNA molecules in an analogous manner, thus acquiring theproperties of an enzyme. The incorporation of ribozyme sequences into“antisense” RNAs imparts this enzyme-like RNA-cleaving property toprecisely these “antisense” RNAs and thus increases their efficiencywhen inactivating the target RNA. The preparation and the use ofsuitable ribozyme “antisense” RNA molecules is described, for example,by Haseloff et al. (1988) Nature 33410: 585-591.

Further the antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention can be alsoa ribozyme. Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules with ribonucleaseactivity, which are capable of cleaving a single-stranded nucleic acid,such as an mRNA, to which they have a complementary region. In thismanner, ribozymes [for example “Hammerhead” ribozymes; Haselhoff andGerlach (1988) Nature 33410: 585-591] can be used to catalyticallycleave the mRNA of an enzyme to be suppressed and to preventtranslation. The ribozyme technology can increase the efficacy of anantisense strategy. Methods for expressing ribozymes for reducingspecific proteins are described in (EP 0 291 533, EP 0 321 201, EP 0 360257). Ribozyme expression has also been described for plant cells(Steinecke P et al. (1992) EMBO J 11(4): 1525-1530; de Feyter R et al.(1996) Mol. Gen. Genet. 250(3): 329-338). Suitable target sequences andribozymes can be identified for example as described by Steinecke P,Ribozymes, Methods in Cell Biology 50, Galbraith et al. eds, AcademicPress, Inc. (1995), pp. 449-460 by calculating the secondary structuresof ribozyme RNA and target RNA and by their interaction [Bayley C C etal. (1992) Plant Mol. Biol. 18(2): 353-361; Lloyd A M and Davis R W etal. (1994) Mol. Gen. Genet. 242(6): 653-657]. For example, derivativesof the tetrahymena L-19 IVS RNA, which have complementary regions to themRNA of the protein to be suppressed can be constructed (see also U.S.Pat. No. 4,987,071 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,116,742). As an alternative, suchribozymes can also be identified from a library of a variety ofribozymes via a selection process (Bartel D and Szostak J W (1993)Science 261: 1411-1418).

D) Introduction of a (Sense) Nucleic Acid Sequence for InducingCosuppression

The expression of a nucleic acid sequence in sense orientation can leadto cosuppression of the corresponding homologous, endogenous genes. Theexpression of sense RNA with homology to an endogenous gene can reduceor indeed eliminate the expression of the endogenous gene, in a similarmanner as has been described for the following antisense approaches:Jorgensen et al. [(1996) Plant Mol. Biol. 31(5): 957-973], Goring et al.[(1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88: 1770-1774], Smith et al. [(1990)Mol. Gen. Genet. 224: 447-481], Napoli et al. [(1990) Plant Cell 2:279-289] or Van der Krol et al. [(1990) Plant Cell 2: 291-99]. In thiscontext, the construct introduced may represent the homologous gene tobe reduced either in full or only in part. The application of thistechnique to plants has been described for example by Napoli et al.[(1990) The Plant Cell 2: 279-289 and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,323].Furthermore the above described cosuppression strategy canadvantageously be combined with the RNAi method as described by Brummellet al., 2003, Plant J. 33, pp 793-800.

E) Introduction of Nucleic Acid Sequences Encoding a Dominant-NegativeProtein

The function or activity of a protein can efficiently also be reduced byexpressing a dominant-negative variant of said protein. The skilledworker is familiar with methods for reducing the function or activity ofa protein by means of coexpression of its dominant-negative form [LagnaG and Hemmati-Brivanlou A (1998) Current Topics in Developmental Biology36: 75-98; Perlmutter R M and Alberola-Ila J (1996) Current Opinion inImmunology 8(2): 285-90; Sheppard D (1994) American Journal ofRespiratory Cell & Molecular Biology 11 (1): 1-6; Herskowitz I (1987)Nature 329 (6136): 219-22].

A dominant-negative variant can be realized for example by changing ofan amino acid in the proteins encoded by one of SEQ ID NO: 2 or homologsthereof. This change can be determined for example by computer-aidedcomparison (“alignment”). These mutations for achieving adominant-negative variant are preferably carried out at the level of thenucleic acid sequences. A corresponding mutation can be performed forexample by PCR-mediated in-vitro mutagenesis using suitableoligonucleotide primers by means of which the desired mutation isintroduced. To this end, methods are used with which the skilled workeris familiar. For example, the “LA PCR in vitro Mutagenesis Kit” (TakaraShuzo, Kyoto) can be used for this purpose. It is also possible andknown to those skilled in the art that deleting or changing offunctional domains, e.g. TF or other signaling components which can bindbut not activate may achieve the reduction of protein activity.

F) Introduction of DNA- or Protein-Binding Factors Against Genes, RNAsor Proteins

A reduction in the expression of a gene encoded by one of SEQ ID NO: 1,SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11,SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ IDNO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49,SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ IDNO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103,SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ IDNO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121,SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ IDNO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139,SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ IDNO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157,SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ IDNO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175,SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ IDNO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193,SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ IDNO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211,SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ IDNO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229,SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ IDNO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247,SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ IDNO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281,SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 or homologs thereofaccording to the invention can also be achieved with specificDNA-binding factors, for example factors of the zinc fingertranscription factor type. These factors attach to the genomic sequenceof the endogenous target gene, preferably in the regulatory regions, andbring about repression of the endogenous gene. The use of such a methodmakes possible the reduction in the expression of an endogenous genewithout it being necessary to recombinantly manipulate the sequence ofthe latter. Such methods for the preparation of relevant factors aredescribed in Dreier B et al. [(2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276(31): 29466-78and (2000) J. Mol. Biol. 303(4): 489-502], Beerli R R et al. [(1998)Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95(25): 14628-14633; (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad.Sci. USA 97(4): 1495-1500 and (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275(42):32617-32627)], Segal D J and Barbas C F [3rd (2000) Curr. Opin. Chem.Biol. 4(1): 3410-39], Kang J S and Kim J S [(2000) J. Biol. Chem.275(12): 8742-8748], Kim J S et al. [(1997) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA94(8): 3616-3620], Klug A [(1999) J. Mol. Biol. 293(2): 215-218], Tsai SY et al. [(1998) Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 30(1-3): 23-31], Mapp A K et al.[(2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97(8): 3930-3935], Sharrocks A D etal. [(1997) Int. J. Biochem. Cell Biol. 29(12): 1371-1387] and Zhang Let al. [(2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275(43): 33850-33860]. Examples for theapplication of this technology in plants have been described in WO01/52620, Ordiz M I et al., (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, Vol. 99, Issue20, 13290-13295, 2002) or Guan et al., (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, Vol.99, Issue 20, 13296-13301, 2002)

These factors can be selected using any portion of a gene. This segmentis preferably located in the promoter region. For the purposes of genesuppression, however, it may also be located in the region of the codingexons or introns. The skilled worker can obtain the relevant segmentsfrom Genbank by database search or starting from a cDNA whose gene isnot present in Genbank by screening a genomic library for correspondinggenomic clones.

It is also possible to first identify sequences in a target crop, whichare encoded by one of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ IDNO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ IDNO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35,SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO:45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ IDNO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73,SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO:83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO:117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO:135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO:153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO:171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO:189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO:207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO:225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO:243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO:277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 orSEQ ID NO: 287 or homologs thereof, then find the promoter and reduceexpression by the use of the abovementioned factors.

The skilled worker is familiar with the methods required for doing so.

Furthermore, factors which are introduced into a cell may also be thosewhich themselves inhibit the target protein. The protein-binding factorscan, for example, be aptamers [Famulok M and Mayer G (1999) Curr. TopMicrobiol. Immunol. 243: 123-36] or antibodies or antibody fragments orsingle-chain antibodies. Obtaining these factors has been described, andthe skilled worker is familiar therewith. For example, a cytoplasmicscFv antibody has been employed for modulating activity of thephytochrome A protein in genetically modified tobacco plants [Owen M etal. (1992) Biotechnology (NY) 10(7): 790-794; Franken E et al. (1997)Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 8(4): 411-416; Whitelam (1996) Trend Plant Sci.1: 286-272].

Gene expression may also be suppressed by tailor-madelow-molecular-weight synthetic compounds, for example of the polyamidetype [Dervan P B and Bürli R W (1999) Current Opinion in ChemicalBiology 3: 688-693; Gottesfeld J M et al. (2000) Gene Expr. 9(1-2):77-91]. These oligomers consist of the units 3-(dimethylamino)propylamine, N-methyl-3-hydroxypyrrole, N-methylimidazole andN-methyl-pyrroles; they can be adapted to each portion ofdouble-stranded DNA in such a way that they bind sequence-specificallyto the large groove and block the expression of the gene sequenceslocated in this position. Suitable methods have been described in BremerR E et al. [(2001) Bioorg. Med. Chem. 9(8): 2093-103], Ansari A Z et al.[(2001) Chem. Biol. 8(6): 583-92], Gottesfeld J M et al. [(2001) J. Mol.Biol. 309(3): 615-29], Wurtz N R et al. [(2001) Org. Left 3(8): 1201-3],Wang C C et al. [(2001) Bioorg. Med. Chem. 9(3): 653-7], Urbach A R andDervan P B [(2001) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98(8): 434103-8] andChiang S Y et al. [(2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275(32): 24246-54].

G) Introduction of Viral Nucleic Acid Sequences and ExpressionConstructs which Bring about the Degradation of RNA

Inactivation or downregulation can also be efficiently brought about byinducing specific RNA degradation by the organism, advantageously in theplant, with the aid of a viral expression system (Amplikon) [Angell, S Met al. (1999) Plant J. 20(3): 357-362]. Nucleic acid sequences withhomology to the transcripts to be suppressed are introduced into theplant by these systems—also referred to as “VIGS” (viral induced genesilencing) with the aid of viral vectors. Then, transcription isswitched off, presumably mediated by plant defense mechanisms againstviruses. Suitable techniques and methods are described in Ratcliff F etal. [(2001) Plant J. 25(2): 237-45], Fagard M and Vaucheret H [(2000)Plant Mol. Biol. 43(2-3): 285-93], Anandalakshmi R et al. [(1998) Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95(22): 13079-84] and Ruiz M T [(1998) Plant Cell10(6): 937-46].

H) Introduction of Constructs for Inducing a Homologous Recombination onEndogenous Genes, for Example for Generating Knock-Out Mutants

To generate a homologously-recombinant organism with reduced activity, anucleic acid construct is used which, for example, comprises at leastpart of an endogenous gene which is modified by a deletion, addition orsubstitution of at least one nucleotide in such a way that thefunctionality is reduced or completely eliminated. The modification mayalso affect the regulatory elements (for example the promoter) of thegene so that the coding sequence remains unmodified, but expression(transcription and/or translation) does not take place or is reduced.

In the case of conventional homologous recombination, the modifiedregion is flanked at its 5′ and 3′ end by further nucleic acidsequences, which must be sufficiently long for allowing recombination.Their length is, as a rule, in a range of from one hundred bases up toseveral kilobases [Thomas K R and Capecchi M R (1987) Cell 51: 503;Strepp et al. (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95(8): 4368-4373]. Inthe case of homologous recombination, the host organism—for example aplant—is transformed with the recombination construct using the methodsdescribed herein below, and clones, which have successfully undergonerecombination are selected using for example a resistance to antibioticsor herbicides. Using the cotransformation technique, the resistance toantibiotics or herbicides can subsequently advantageously bere-eliminated by performing crosses. An example for an efficienthomologous recombination system in plants has been published in Nat.Biotechnol. 2002 October; 20(10):1030-4, Terada R et al.: Efficient genetargeting by homologous recombination in rice.

Homologous recombination is a relatively rare event in highereukaryotes, especially in plants. Random integrations into the hostgenome predominate. One possibility of removing the randomly integratedsequences and thus increasing the number of cell clones with a correcthomologous recombination is the use of a sequence-specific recombinationsystem as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,736, by means of whichunspecifically integrated sequences can be deleted again, whichsimplifies the selection of events which have integrated successfullyvia homologous recombination. A multiplicity of sequence-specificrecombination systems may be used, examples which may be mentioned beingCre/lox system of bacteriophage P1, the FLP/FRT system from yeast, theGin recombinase of phage Mu, the Pin recombinase from E. coli and theR/RS system of the pSR1 plasmid. The bacteriophage P1 Cre/lox system andthe yeast FLP/FRT system are preferred. The FLP/FRT and the cre/loxrecombinase system have already been applied to plant systems [Odell etal. (1990) Mol. Gen. Genet. 223: 369-378].

I) Introduction of Mutations into Endogenous Genes for Bringing about aLoss of Function (for Example Generation of Stop Codons, Reading-FrameShifts and the Like)

Further suitable methods for reducing activity are the introduction ofnonsense mutations into endogenous genes, for example by introducingRNA/DNA oligonucleotides into the plant [Zhu et al. (2000) Nat.Biotechnol. 18(5): 555-558], and the generation of knock-out mutantswith the aid of, for example, T-DNA mutagenesis [Koncz et al. (1992)Plant Mol. Biol. 20(5): 963-976],ENU-(N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea)-mutagenesis or homologous recombination[Hohn B and Puchta (1999) H. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 96: 8321-8323].Point mutations may also be generated by means of DNA-RNA hybrids alsoknown as “chimeraplasty” [Cole-Strauss et al. (1999) Nucl. Acids Res.27(5): 1323-1330; Kmiec (1999) Gene Therapy American Scientist 87(3):240-247]. The mutation sites may be specifically targeted or randomlyselected. If the mutations have been created randomly e.g. byTransposon-Tagging or chemical mutagenesis, the skilled worked is ableto specifically enrich selected muation events in the inventive nucleicacids.

Nucleic acid sequences as described in item B) to I) are expressed inthe cell or organism by transformation/transfection of the cell ororganism or are introduced in the cell or organism by known methods, forexample as disclosed in item A).

In one further embodiment of the process according to the invention,organisms are used in which one of the abovementioned genes, or one ofthe abovementioned nucleic acids, is mutated in such a manner that theactivity of the encoded gene products is influenced by cellular factorsto a greater extent than in the reference organism, as compared with theunmutated proteins. This kind of mutation could lead to an endogenousdown-regulation of activity of the polypeptides of the invention whichthan causes an yield increase. In a further embodiment the processaccording to the invention, organisms are grown under such conditions,that the expression of the nucleic acids of the invention is reduced orrepressed leading to an yield increase according to the invention.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the inventionrelates to a process which comprises

-   a) providing a plant cell, a plant tissue or a plant;-   b) reducing, decreasing or deleting the activity in the plant cell,    the plant tissue or the plant, of a protein having the biological    activity of the protein of the invention or being encoded by the    nucleic acid molecule of the present invention and described below,    e.g. having above mentioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in    yield;-   c) growing the plant cell, the plant tissue or the plant under    conditions which permit the increase in yield of the plant cell, the    plant tissue or the plant; and-   d) if desired, recovering the plant cell, the plant tissue, the    fruit, the seed, the root, the tubers, the leaves, the blossoms or    the whole plant.

After the above-described reducing, decreasing or deleting (which asdefined above also encompasses the generating of an activity in anorganism, i.e. a de novo activity), for example after the introductionand the expression of the an RNAi molecule, antisense molecule orribozyme described in the methods or processes according to theinvention, the organism according to the invention, advantageously, aplant, plant tissue or plant cell, is grown and subsequently harvested.

In the event that the transgenic host organism is a plant, plant tissueor plant cell such as plants selected from the group consisting of thefamilies Anacardiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Betulaceae, Boraginaceae,Brassicaceae, Bromeliaceae, Caricaceae, Cannabaceae, Convolvulaceae,Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Ericaceae, Euphorbiaceae,Fabaceae, Geraniaceae, Gramineae, Juglandaceae, Lauraceae, Leguminosae,Linaceae or perennial grass, fodder crops, vegetables, ornamentals andArabidopsis thaliana. Such plants are either grown on a solid medium oras cells in a liquid medium, which is known to the skilled worker andsuits the organism. Furthermore such plants can be grown in soil or thelike. After the growing phase, the plants can be harvested. The plantsor plant cells or the recovered, and if desired isolated plant parts asfruits, seeds, roots, tubers, leaves, blossoms can then be processedfurther directly into foodstuffs or animal feeds or for otherapplications.

Anacardiaceae such as the genera Pistacia, Mangifera, Anacardium e.g.the species Pistacia vera [pistachios, Pistazie], Mangifer indica[Mango] or Anacardium occidentale [Cashew]; Asteraceae such as thegenera Calendula, Carthamus, Centaurea, Cichorium, Cynara, Helianthus,Lactuca, Locusta, Tagetes, Valeriana e.g. the species Calendulaofficinalis [Marigold], Carthamus tinctorius [safflower], Centaureacyanus [cornflower], Cichorium intybus [blue daisy], Cynara scolymus[Artichoke], Helianthus annus [sunflower], Lactuca sativa, Lactucacrispa, Lactuca esculenta, Lactuca scariola L. ssp. sativa, Lactucascariola L var. integrata, Lactuca scariola L var. integrifolia, Lactucasativa subsp. romana, Locusta communes, Valeriana locusta [lettuce],Tagetes lucida, Tagetes erecta or Tagetes tenuifolia [Marigold];Apiaceae such as the genera Daucus e.g. the species Daucus carota[carrot]; Betulaceae such as the genera Corylus e.g. the species Corylusavellana or Corylus columa [hazelnut]; Boraginaceae such as the generaBorago e.g. the species Borago officinalis [borage]; Brassicaceae suchas the genera Brassica, Melanosinapis, Sinapis, Arabidopsis e.g. thespecies Brassica napus, Brassica rapa ssp. [canola, oilseed rape, turniprape], Sinapis arvensis Brassica juncea, Brassica juncea var. juncea,Brassica juncea var. crispifolia, Brassica juncea var. foliosa, Brassicanigra, Brassica sinapioides, Melanosinapis communis [mustard], Brassicaoleracea [fodder beet] or Arabidopsis thaliana; Bromeliaceae such as thegenera Anana, Bromelia e.g. the species Anana comosus, Ananas ananas orBromelia comosa [pineapple]; Caricaceae such as the genera Carica e.g.the species Carica papaya [papaya]; Cannabaceae such as the generaCannabis e.g. the species Cannabis sative [hemp], Convolvulaceae such asthe genera Ipomea, Convolvulus e.g. the species Ipomoea batatus, Ipomoeapandurata, Convolvulus batatas, Convolvulus tiliaceus, Ipomoeafastigiata, Ipomoea tiliacea, Ipomoea triloba or Convolvulus panduratus[sweet potato, Man of the Earth, wild potato], Chenopodiaceae such asthe genera Beta, i.e. the species Beta vulgaris, Beta vulgaris var.altissima, Beta vulgaris var. Vulgaris, Beta maritima, Beta vulgarisvar. perennis, Beta vulgaris var. conditiva or Beta vulgaris var.esculenta [sugar beet]; Cucurbitaceae such as the genera Cucubita e.g.the species Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita pepo orCucurbita moschata [pumpkin, squash]; Elaeagnaceae such as the generaElaeagnus e.g. the species Olea europaea [olive]; Ericaceae such as thegenera Kalmia e.g. the species Kalmia latifolia, Kalmia angustifolia,Kalmia microphylla, Kalmia polifolia, Kalmia occidentalis, Cistuschamaerhodendros or Kalmia lucida [American laurel, broad-leafed laurel,calico bush, spoon wood, sheep laurel, alpine laurel, bog laurel,western bog-laurel, swamp-laurel]; Euphorbiaceae such as the generaManihot, Janipha, Jatropha, Ricinus e.g. the species Manihot utilissima,Janipha manihot, Jatropha manihot, Manihot aipil, Manihot dulcis,Manihot manihot, Manihot melanobasis, Manihot esculenta [manihot,arrowroot, tapioca, cassaya] or Ricinus communis [castor bean, CastorOil Bush, Castor Oil Plant, Palma Christi, Wonder Tree]; Fabaceae suchas the genera Pisum, Albizia, Cathormion, Feuillea, Inga, Pithecolobium,Acacia, Mimosa, Medicajo, Glycine, Dolichos, Phaseolus, Soja e.g. thespecies Pisum sativum, Pisum arvense, Pisum humile [pea], Albiziaberteriana, Albizia julibrissin, Albizia lebbeck, Acacia berteriana,Acacia littoralis, Albizia berteriana, Albizia berteriana, Cathormionberteriana, Feuillea berteriana, Inga fragrans, Pithecellobiumberterianum, Pithecellobium fragrans, Pithecolobium berterianum,Pseudalbizzia berteriana, Acacia julibrissin, Acacia nemu, Albizia nemu,Feuilleea julibrissin, Mimosa julibrissin, Mimosa speciosa, Sericanrdajulibrissin, Acacia lebbeck, Acacia macrophylla, Albizia lebbek,Feuilleea lebbeck, Mimosa lebbeck, Mimosa speciosa [bastard logwood,silk tree, East Indian Walnut], Medicago sativa, Medicago falcata,Medicago varia [alfalfa] Glycine max Dolichos soja, Glycine gracilis,Glycine hispida, Phaseolus max, Soja hispida or Soja max [soybean];Geraniaceae such as the genera Pelargonium, Cocos, Oleum e.g. thespecies Cocos nucifera, Pelargonium grossularioides or Oleum cocois[coconut]; Gramineae such as the genera Saccharum e.g. the speciesSaccharum officinarum; Juglandaceae such as the genera Juglans, Walliae.g. the species Juglans regia, Juglans ailanthifolia, Juglanssieboldiana, Juglans cinerea, Wallia cinerea, Juglans bixbyi, Juglanscalifornica, Juglans hindsii, Juglans intermedia, Juglans jamaicensis,Juglans major, Juglans microcarpa, Juglans nigra or Wallia nigra[walnut, black walnut, common walnut, persian walnut, white walnut,butternut, black walnut]; Lauraceae such as the genera Persea, Lauruse.g. the species laurel Laurus nobilis [bay, laurel, bay laurel, sweetbay], Persea americana Persea americana, Persea gratissima or Perseapersea [avocado]; Leguminosae such as the genera Arachis e.g. thespecies Arachis hypogaea [peanut]; Linaceae such as the genera Linum,Adenolinum e.g. the species Linum usitatissimum, Linum humile, Linumaustriacum, Linum bienne, Linum angustifolium, Linum catharticum, Linumflavum, Linum grandiflorum, Adenolinum grandiflorum, Linum lewisii,Linum narbonense, Unum perenne, Linum perenne var. lewisii, Linumpratense or Linum trigynum [flax, linseed]; Lythrarieae such as thegenera Punica e.g. the species Punica granatum [pomegranate]; Malvaceaesuch as the genera Gossypium e.g. the species Gossypium hirsutum,Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium herbaceum orGossypium thurberi [cotton]; Musaceae such as the genera Musa e.g. thespecies Musa nana, Musa acuminata, Musa paradisiaca, Musa spp. [banana];Onagraceae such as the genera Camissonia, Oenothera e.g. the speciesOenothera biennis or Camissonia brevipes [primrose, evening primrose];Palmae such as the genera Elacis e.g. the species Elaeis guineensis [oilplam]; Papaveraceae such as the genera Papaver e.g. the species Papaverorientale, Papaver rhoeas, Papaver dubium [poppy, oriental poppy, cornpoppy, field poppy, shirley poppies, field poppy, long-headed poppy,long-pod poppy]; Pedaliaceae such as the genera Sesamum e.g. the speciesSesamum indicum [sesame]; Piperaceae such as the genera Piper, Artanthe,Peperomia, Steffensia e.g. the species Piper aduncum, Piper amalago,Piper angustifolium, Piper auritum, Piper betel, Piper cubeba, Piperlongum, Piper nigrum, Piper retrofractum, Artanthe adunca, Artantheelongata, Peperomia elongata, Piper elongatum, Steffensia elongata.[Cayenne pepper, wild pepper]; Poaceae such as the genera Hordeum,Secale, Avena, Sorghum, Andropogon, Holcus, Panicum, Oryza, Zea,Triticum e.g. the species Hordeum vulgare, Hordeum jubatum, Hordeummurinum, Hordeum secalinum, Hordeum distichon Hordeum aegiceras, Hordeumhexastichon, Hordeum hexastichum, Hordeum irregulare, Hordeum sativum,Hordeum secalinum [barley, pearl barley, foxtail barley, wall barley,meadow barley], Secale cereale [rye], Avena sativa, Avena fatua, Avenabyzantina, Avena fatua var. sativa, Avena hybrida [oat], Sorghumbicolor, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghum vulgare,Andropogon drummondii, Holcus bicolor, Holcus sorghum, Sorghumaethiopicum, Sorghum arundinaceum, Sorghum caffrorum, Sorghum cemuum,Sorghum dochna, Sorghum drummondii, Sorghum durra, Sorghum guineense,Sorghum lanceolatum, Sorghum nervosum, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghumsubglabrescens, Sorghum verticilliflorum, Sorghum vulgare, Holcushalepensis, Sorghum miliaceum millet, Panicum militaceum [Sorghum,millet], Oryza sativa, Oryza latifolia [rice], Zea mays [corn, maize]Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum, Triticum hybemum,Triticum macha, Triticum sativum or Triticum vulgare [wheat, breadwheat, common wheat], Proteaceae such as the genera Macadamia e.g. thespecies Macadamia intergrifolia [macadamia]; Rubiaceae such as thegenera Coffea e.g. the species Cofea spp., Coffea arabica, Coffeacanephora or Coffea liberica [coffee]; Scrophulariaceae such as thegenera Verbascum e.g. the species Verbascum blattaria, Verbascumchaixii, Verbascum densiflorum, Verbascum lagurus, Verbascumlongifolium, Verbascum lychnitis, Verbascum nigrum, Verbascum olympicum,Verbascum phlomoides, Verbascum phoenicum, Verbascum pulverulentum orVerbascum thapsus [mullein, white moth mullein, nettle-leaved mullein,dense-flowered mullein, silver mullein, long-leaved mullein, whitemullein, dark mullein, greek mullein, orange mullein, purple mullein,hoary mullein, great mullein]; Solanaceae such as the genera Capsicum,Nicotiana, Solanum, Lycopersicon e.g. the species Capsicum annuum,Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum, Capsicum frutescens [pepper],Capsicum annuum [paprika], Nicotiana tabacum, Nicotiana alata, Nicotianaattenuata, Nicotiana glauca, Nicotiana langsdorffii, Nicotianaobtusifolia, Nicotiana quadrivalvis, Nicotiana repanda, Nicotianarustica, Nicotiana sylvestris [tobacco], Solanum tuberosum [potato],Solanum melongena [egg-plant] (Lycopersicon esculentum, Lycopersiconlycopersicum, Lycopersicon pyrifomme, Solanum integrifolium or Solanumlycopersicum [tomato]; Sterculiaceae such as the genera Theobroma e.g.the species Theobroma cacao [cacao]; Theaceae such as the generaCamellia e.g. the species Camellia sinensis) [tea]. All abovementionedhost organisms are also useable as source organisms for the nucleic acidsequences of the invention.

Particular preferred plants are plants selected from the groupconsisting of maize, soja, canola, wheat, barley, triticale, rice,linseed, sunflower, potato and Arabidopsis.

With regard to the nucleic acid sequences as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 1 orSEQ ID NO: 113 a nucleic acid construct which contains one of saidnucleic acid sequences or an organism (=transgenic organism) which istransformed with one of said nucleic acid sequences or one of saidnucleic acid constructs, “transgene” means all those constructs whichhave been brought about by genetic manipulation methods and in whicheither

-   a) the nucleic acid sequences as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID    NO: 113 or a derivative thereof, or-   b) a genetic regulatory element, for example a promoter, which is    functionally linked to one of said nucleic acid sequences as    depicted in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 113 or a derivative thereof,-   or-   c) (a) and (b)    is/are not present in its/their natural genetic environment or    has/have been modified by means of genetic manipulation methods, it    being possible for the modification to be, by way of example, a    substitution, addition, deletion, inversion or insertion of one or    more nucleotide radicals. “Natural genetic environment” means the    natural chromosomal locus in the organism of origin or the presence    in a genomic library. In the case of a genomic library, the natural,    genetic environment of the nucleic acid sequence is preferably at    least partially still preserved. The environment flanks the nucleic    acid sequence at least on one side and has a sequence length of at    least 50 bp, preferably at least 500 bp, particularly preferably at    least 1000 bp, very particularly preferably at least 5000 bp.

However, transgenic also means that the nucleic acids according to theinvention are located at their natural position in the genome of anorganism, but that the sequence has been modified in comparison with thenatural sequence and/or that the regulatory sequences of the naturalsequences have been modified. Preferably, transgenic/recombinant is tobe understood as meaning the expression of the nucleic acids used in theprocess according to the invention in a non-natural position in thegenome, that is to say the expression of the nucleic acids is homologousor, preferably, heterologous. This expression can be transiently or of asequence integrated stably into the genome.

The use of the nucleic acid sequence according to the invention or ofthe nucleic acid construct according to the invention for the generationof transgenic plants is therefore also subject matter of the invention.

Another embodiment of the invention is a process for the modification ofthe nucleic acid molecules of the invention encoded by the host organismfor example by random mutagenesis with chemicals, radiation or UV-lightor side directed mutagenesis in such a manner that the yield of theplant is increased. This embodiment of the invention shall be deemed astransgenic in the sense of the invention.

In this context, the yield of the plant or plant part of the inventionmay be increased according to the process of the invention by at least afactor of 1.1, preferably at least a factor of 1.2; 1.3; 1.4; or 1.5,especially preferably by at least a factor of 1.6 or 17.5, veryespecially preferably by at least a factor of 2, in comparison with thewild type, control or reference. Preferably, said increase is found in atissue, more preferred in a plant or in a harvestable part thereof.

In the inventive process as mentioned above preferably the reduction,decrease or deletion of the biological activity represented by proteinof the invention is achieved by reducing, decreasing or deleting theexpression of at least one nucleic acid molecule, wherein the nucleicacid molecule is selected from the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule encoding, preferably at least the mature    form, of the polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID    NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14,    SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID    NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32,    SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID    NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50,    SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID    NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68,    SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID    NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86,    SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ    ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID    NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO:    128, SEQ. ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO:    136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144,    SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ    ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID    NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO:    170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178,    SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ    ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID    NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO:    204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212,    SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ    ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID    NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO:    238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246,    SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ    ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID    NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID    NO: 288;-   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising, preferably at least the mature    form, of the nucleic acid molecule shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:    3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID    NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21,    SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID    NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39,    SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID    NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57,    SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID    NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75,    SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID    NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO:    109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117,    SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ    ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID    NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO:    143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151,    SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ    ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID    NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO:    177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185,    SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ    ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID    NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO:    211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219,    SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ    ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID    NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO:    245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269,    SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ    ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID    NO: 287;-   c) nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence, which,    as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, can be derived    from a polypeptide sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4,    SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:    14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ    ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:    32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ    ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:    50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ    ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:    68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ    ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO:    86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110,    SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ    ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID    NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO:    136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144,    SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ    ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID    NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO:    170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178,    SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ    ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID    NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO:    204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212,    SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ    ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID    NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO:    238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246,    SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ    ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID    NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID    NO: 288 and having the biological activity represented by protein as    depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8,    SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID    NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26,    SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID    NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44,    SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID    NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62,    SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID    NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80,    SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID    NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO:    114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122,    SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ    ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID    NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO:    148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156,    SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ    ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID    NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO:    182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190,    SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ    ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID    NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO:    216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224,    SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ    ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID    NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO:    250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274,    SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ    ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   d) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having at least 50%    identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by    the nucleic acid molecule of (a) to (c) and having the biological    activity represented by protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID    NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ    ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO:    22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ    ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:    40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ    ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56; SEQ ID NO:    58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ    ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO:    76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ    ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID    NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO:    118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126,    SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ    ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID    NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO:    152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160,    SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ    ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID    NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO:    186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194,    SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ    ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID    NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO:    220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228,    SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ    ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID    NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO:    270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278,    SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or    SEQ ID NO: 288;-   e) nucleic acid molecule which comprises a polynucleotide which is    obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the    primers depicted in SEQ ID NO: 92 and SEQ ID NO: 93 and having the    biological activity represented by protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO:    2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID    NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20,    SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID    NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38,    SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID    NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56,    SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID    NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74,    SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID    NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:    108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112 or using the primers depicted in    SEQ ID NO: 253, SEQ ID NO: 254, SEQ ID NO: 255, SEQ ID NO: 256, SEQ    ID NO: 257, SEQ ID NO: 258, SEQ ID NO: 259, SEQ ID NO: 260, SEQ ID    NO: 261, SEQ ID NO: 262, SEQ ID NO: 263 or SEQ ID NO: 264 and having    the biological activity of SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID    NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO:    126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134,    SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ    ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID    NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO:    160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168,    SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ    ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID    NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO:    194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202,    SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ    ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID    NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO:    228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236,    SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ    ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID    NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO:    278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286    or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   f) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide, the    polypeptide being de rived by substituting, deleting and/or adding    one or more amino acids of the amino acid sequence of the    polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid molecules (a) to (d),    preferably to (a) to (b) or (c) and encoding a polypeptide having    the biological activity represented by protein as depicted in SEQ ID    NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ    ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:    20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ    ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:    38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ    ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:    56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ    ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:    74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ    ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:    108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116,    SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ    ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID    NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO:    142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150,    SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ    ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID    NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO:    176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184,    SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ    ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID    NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO:    210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218,    SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ    ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID    NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO:    244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,    SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ    ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID    NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   g) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a fragment or an epitope of a    polypeptide which is encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules    of (a) to (e), preferably to (a) to (b) or (c) and encoding a    polypeptide having the biological activity represented by protein as    depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8,    SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID    NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26,    SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID    NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44,    SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID    NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62,    SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID    NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80,    SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID    NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO:112, SEQ ID NO:    114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122,    SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ    ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID    NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO:    148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156,    SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ    ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID    NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO:    182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190,    SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ    ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID    NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO:    216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224,    SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ    ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID    NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO:    250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274,    SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ    ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   h) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide which is isolated    with the aid of monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against a    polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a) to    (e), preferably to (a) to (b) or (c), and having the biological    activity represented by the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ    ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12,    SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID    NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30,    SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID    NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48,    SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID    NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66,    SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID    NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84,    SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ    ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID    NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO:    126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134,    SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ    ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID    NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO:    160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168,    SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ    ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID    NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO:    194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202,    SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ    ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID    NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO:    228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236,    SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ    ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID    NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO:    278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286    or SEQ ID NO: 288;-   i) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the    consensus sequence shown in shown in SEQ ID NO: 87 or SEQ ID NO: 88    or SEQ ID NO: 89 or SEQ ID NO: 90 or SEQ ID NO: 91 or SEQ ID NO: 265    or SEQ ID NO: 266 or SEQ ID NO: 267 or SEQ ID NO: 268 and having the    biological activity represented by the protein as depicted in SEQ ID    NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 113;-   j) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having the    biological activity represented by the protein SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID    NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ    ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO:    22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ    ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:    40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ    ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:    58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ    ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO:    76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ    ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID    NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO:    118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126,    SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ    ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID    NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO:    152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160,    SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ    ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID    NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO:    186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194,    SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ    ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID    NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO:    220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228,    SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ    ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID    NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO:    270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278,    SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or    SEQ ID NO: 288;-   and-   k) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable    nucleic acid library under stringent hybridisation conditions with a    probe comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule    of (a) or (b) or with a fragment thereof having at least 15 nt,    preferably 20 nt, 30 nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the    nucleic acid molecule characterized in (a) to (c) and encoding a    polypeptide having the biological activity represented by protein as    depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8,    SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID    NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26,    SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID    NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44,    SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID    NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62,    SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID    NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80,    SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID    NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO:    114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122,    SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ    ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID    NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO:    148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156,    SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ    ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID    NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO:    182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190,    SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ    ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID    NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO:    216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224,    SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ    ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID    NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO:    250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274,    SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ    ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288;    or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto.

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule used in the processdistinguishes over the sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO:113 by at least one or more nucleotides or does not consist of thesequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113. In one embodiment, thenucleic acid molecule of the present invention is less than 100%,99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to the sequence shown in SEQ IDNO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113. In another embodiment, the nucleic acidmolecule does not consist of the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQID NO: 113.

Unless otherwise specified, the terms “polynucleotides”, “nucleic acid”and “nucleic acid molecule” are interchangeably in the present context.Unless otherwise specified, the terms “peptide”, “polypeptide” and“protein” are interchangeably in the present context. The term sequencemay relate to polynucleotides, nucleic acids, nucleic acid molecules,peptides, polypeptides and proteins, depending on the context in whichthe term “sequence” is used. The terms “gene(s)”, “polynucleotide”,“nucleic acid sequence”, “nucleotide sequence”, or “nucleic acidmolecule(s)” as used herein refers to a polymeric form of nucleotides ofany length, either ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides. The termsrefer only to the primary structure of the molecule.

Thus, the terms “gene(s)”, “polynucleotide”, “nucleic acid sequence”,“nucleotide sequence”, or “nucleic acid molecule(s)” as used hereininclude double- and single-stranded DNA and RNA. They also include knowntypes of modifications, for example, methylation, “caps”, substitutionsof one or more of the naturally occurring nucleotides with an analog.Preferably, the DNA or RNA sequence of the invention comprises a codingsequence encoding the herein defined polypeptide.

A “coding sequence” is a nucleotide sequence, which is transcribed intomRNA and/or translated into a polypeptide when placed under the controlof appropriate regulatory sequences. The boundaries of the codingsequence are determined by a translation start codon at the 5′-terminusand a translation stop codon at the 3′-terminus. A coding sequence caninclude, but is not limited to mRNA, cDNA, recombinant nucleotidesequences or genomic DNA, while introns may be present as well undercertain circumstances.

Nucleic acid molecules with the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ IDNO: 113, nucleic acid molecules which are derived from the amino acidsequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 114 or their derivativesor homologues encoding polypeptides with the enzymatic or biologicalactivity of protein of the invention or conferring the yield increaseafter reducing, decreasing or deleting its expression or activity in theprocess according to the invention. These sequences are cloned in such amanner into nucleic acid constructs that their activity is reduced,decreased or deleted, either individually or in combination with othersequences involved in yield. These nucleic acid constructs enable anoptimal growth and yield in the process according to the invention.

Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process accordingto the invention and which encode polypeptides with the biologicalactivity represented by the protein of the invention and/or conferringthe yield increase can be determined from generally accessibledatabases. Those, which must be mentioned, in particular in this contextare general gene databases such as the EMBL database (Stoesser G. etal., Nucleic Acids Res 2001, Vol. 29, 17-21), the GenBank database(Benson D. A. et al.,

Nucleic acid molecules, which are advantageous for the process accordingto the invention and which encode polypeptides with the biologicalactivity represented by the protein of the invention and/or conferringthe yield increase can be determined from generally accessibledatabases. Those, which must be mentioned, in particular in this contextare general gene databases such as the EMBL database (Stoesser G. etal., Nucleic Acids Res 2001, Vol. 29, 17-21), the GenBank database(Benson D. A. et al., Nucleic Acids Res 2000, Vol. 28, 15-18), or thePIR database (Barker W. C. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 1999, Vol. 27,39-43). It is furthermore possible to use organism-specific genedatabases for determining advantageous sequences, in the case of yeastfor example advantageously the SGD database (Cherry J. M. et al.,Nucleic Acids Res. 1998, Vol. 26, 73-80) or the MIPS database (Mewes H.W. et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 1999, Vol. 27, 44-48), in the case of E.coli the GenProtEC database (web.bham.ac.uk/bcm4ght6/res.html), and inthe case of Arabidopsis the TAIR-database (Huala, E. et al., NucleicAcids Res. 2001 Vol. 29(1), 102-5) or the MIPS database.

The nucleic acid molecules used in the process according to theinvention take the form of isolated nucleic acid sequences, which encodepolypeptides with the biological activity of the protein of theinvention enabling the yield increase by reducing, decreasing ordeleting their activity. The nucleic acid sequence(s) used in theprocess for yield increase in transgenic organisms originateadvantageously from an eukaryote but may also originate from aprokaryote or an archebacterium, thus it can be derived from e.g. amicroorganism, an animal or a plant.

For the purposes of the invention, as a rule the plural is intended toencompass the singular and vice versa.

In order to improve the introduction of the nucleic acid sequences andthe reduction, decrease or deletion of the expression of the sequencesin the transgenic organisms, which are used in the process, the nucleicacid sequences are incorporated into a nucleic acid construct and/or avector in such a manner that they are reduced, decreased or deleted inrespect to the biological activity either on the nucleic acid sequenceexpression level or on the level of the polypeptide or protein encodedby said sequences. In addition to the herein described sequences whichare used in the process according to the invention, further nucleic acidsequences, advantageously of genes coding for oligopeptide transporterproteins according to the invention, may additionally be pre-sent in thenucleic acid construct or in the vector and may be introduced into theplant in order to reduce the expression of the polynucleotides of theinvention. However, these additional sequences may also be introducedinto the plant via other, separate nucleic acid constructs or vectors.

Using the herein mentioned cloning vectors and transformation methodssuch as those which are published and cited in: Plant Molecular Biologyand Biotechnology (CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.), chapter 6/7, pp. 71-119(1993); F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; in:Transgenic Plants, vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R.Wu, Academic Press, 1993, 15-38; B. Jenes et al., Techniques for GeneTransfer, in: Transgenic Plants, vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization,Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993), 128-143; Potrykus, Annu.Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991), 205-225)) and furthercited below, the nucleic acids may be used for the recombinantmodification of a wide range of organisms, in particular prokaryotic oreukaryotic microorganisms or plants, so their yield is increased.

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule according to the inventionoriginates from a plant, such as a plant selected from the familiesAceraceae, Anacardiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cactaceae,Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Nymphaeaceae,Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae,Cyperaceae, Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Gentianaceae, Labiaceae,Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Carifolaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae,Caryophyllaceae, Ericaceae, Polygonaceae, Violaceae, Juncaceae orPoaceae and preferably from a plant selected from the group of thefamilies Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae,Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Uliaceae or Poaceae. Preferred arecrop plants and in particular plants mentioned herein above as hostplants such as the families and genera mentioned above for examplepreferred the species Anacardium occidentale, Calendula officinalis,Carthamus tinctorius, Cichorium intybus, Cynara scolymus, Helianthusannus, Tagetes lucida, Tagetes erecta, Tagetes tenuifolia; Daucuscarota; Corylus avellana, Corylus columa, Borago officinalis; Brassicanapus, Brassica rapa ssp., Sinapis arvensis, Brassica juncea, Brassicajuncea var. juncea, Brassica juncea var. crispifolia, Brassica junceavar. foliosa, Brassica nigra, Brassica sinapioides, Melanosinapiscommunis, Brassica oleracea, Arabidopsis thaliana, Anana comosus, Ananasananas, Bromelia comosa, Carica papaya, Cannabis sative, Ipomoeabatatus, Ipomoea pandurata, Convolvulus batatas, Convolvulus tiliaceus,Ipomoea fastigiata, Ipomoea tiliacea, Ipomoea triloba, Convolvuluspanduratus, Beta vulgaris, Beta vulgaris var. altissima, Beta vulgarisvar. vulgaris, Beta maritima, Beta vulgaris var. perennis, Beta vulgarisvar. conditiva, Beta vulgaris var. esculenta, Cucurbita maxima,Cucurbita mixta, Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita moschata, Olea europaea,Manihot utilissima, Janipha manihot, Jatropha manihot, Manihot aipil,Manihot dulcis, Manihot manihot, Manihot melanobasis, Manihot esculenta,Ricinus communis, Pisum sativum, Pisum arvense, Pisum humile, Medicagosativa, Medicago falcata, Medicago varia, Glycine max, Dolichos soja,Glycine gracilis, Glycine hispida, Phaseolus max, Soja hispida, Sojamax, Cocos nucifera, Pelargonium grossularioides, Oleum cocoas, Laurusnobilis, Persea americana, Arachis hypogaea, Linum usitatissimum, Linumhumile, Linum austriacum, Linum bienne, Linum angustifolium, Linumcatharticum, Linum flavum, Linum grandiflorum, Adenolinum grandiflorum,Unum lewisii, Linum narbonense, Linum perenne, Linum perenne var.lewisii, Linum pratense, Linum trigynum, Punica granatum, Gossypiumhirsutum, Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium herbaceum,Gossypium thurberi, Musa nana, Musa acuminata, Musa paradisiaca, Musaspp., Elaeis guineensis, Papaver orientale, Papaver rhoeas, Papaverdubium, Sesamum indicum, Piper aduncum, Piper amalago, Piperangustifolium, Piper auritum, Piper betel, Piper cubeba, Piper longum,Piper nigrum, Piper retrofractum, Artanthe adunca, Artanthe elongata,Peperomia elongata, Piper elongatum, Steffensia elongata, Hordeumvulgare, Hordeum jubatum, Hordeum murinum, Hordeum secalinum, Hordeumdistichon Hordeum aegiceras, Hordeum hexastichon, Hordeum hexastichum,Hordeum irregulare, Hordeum sativum, Hordeum secalinum, Avena sativa,Avena fatua, Avena byzantina, Avena fatua var. sativa, Avena hybrida,Sorghum bicolor, Sorghum halepense, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghumvulgare, Andropogon drummondii, Holcus bicolor, Holcus sorghum, Sorghumaethiopicum, Sorghum arundinaceum, Sorghum caffrorum, Sorghum cemuum,Sorghum dochna, Sorghum drummondii, Sorghum durra, Sorghum guineense,Sorghum lanceolatum, Sorghum nervosum, Sorghum saccharatum, Sorghumsubglabrescens, Sorghum verticilliflorum, Sorghum vulgare, Holcushalepensis, Sorghum miliaceum millet, Panicum militaceum, Zea mays,Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum turgidum, Triticum hybemum,Triticum macha, Triticum sativum or Triticum vulgare, Cofea spp., Coffeaarabica, Coffea canephora, Coffea liberica, Capsicum annuum, Capsicumannuum var. glabriusculum, Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annuum,Nicotiana tabacum, Solanum tuberosum, Solanum melongena, Lycopersiconesculentum, Lycopersicon lycopersicum, Lycopersicon pyriforme, Solanumintegrifolium, Solanum lycopersicum, Theobroma cacao or Camelliasinensis.

However, it is also possible to use artificial sequences, which differpreferably in one or more bases from the nucleic acid sequences ascharacterized in the invention or in one or more amino acid moleculesfrom polypeptide sequences as characterized in the invention, and whichmediate a polypeptide having above-mentioned activity, e.g. having thebiological activity of the protein of the invention or conferring theyield increase after reducing, decreasing or deleting its expression oractivity.

In the process according to the invention nucleic acid sequences can beused, which if appropriate, contain synthetic, non-natural or modifiednucleotide bases, which can be incorporated into DNA or RNA. Saidsynthetic, non-natural or modified bases can for example increase thestability of the nucleic acid molecule outside or inside a cell. Thenucleic acid molecules of the invention can contain the samemodifications as aforementioned.

As used in the present context the term “nucleic acid molecule” may alsoencompass the untranslated sequence located at the 3′ and at the 5′ endof the coding gene region, for example at least 500, preferably 200,especially preferably 100, nucleotides of the sequence upstream of the5′ end of the coding region and at least 100, preferably 50, especiallypreferably 20, nucleotides of the sequence downstream of the 3′ end ofthe coding gene region. It is often advantageous only to choose thecoding region for cloning and expression purposes. In the event forexample the RNAi or antisense technology is used also the 5′- and/or3′-regions can advantageously be used.

Preferably, the nucleic acid molecule used in the process according tothe invention or the nucleic acid molecule of the invention is anisolated nucleic acid molecule.

An “isolated” polynucleotide or nucleic acid molecule is separated fromother polynucleotides or nucleic acid molecules, which are present inthe natural source of the nucleic acid molecule. An isolated nucleicacid molecule may be a chromosomal fragment of several kb, orpreferably, a molecule only comprising the coding region of the gene.Accordingly, an isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention maycomprise chromosomal regions, which are adjacent 5′ and 3′ or furtheradjacent chromosomal regions, but preferably comprises no such sequenceswhich naturally flank the nucleic acid molecule sequence in the genomicor chromosomal context in the organism from which the nucleic acidmolecule originates (for example sequences which are adjacent to theregions encoding the 5′- and 3′-UTRs of the nucleic acid molecule). Invarious embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid molecule used in theprocess according to the invention may, for example comprise less thanapproximately 5 kb, 4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 0.5 kb or 0.1 kb nucleotidesequences which naturally flank the nucleic acid molecule in the genomicDNA of the cell from which the nucleic acid molecule originates.

The nucleic acid molecules used in the process, for example a nucleicacid molecule with a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO:113 or of a part thereof can be isolated using molecular-biologicalstandard techniques and the sequence information provided herein. Also,for example a homologous sequence or homologous, conserved sequenceregions at the DNA or amino acid level can be identified with the aid ofcomparison algorithms. The former can be used as hybridization probesunder standard hybridization techniques (for example those described inSambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nd Ed., ColdSpring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, ColdSpring Harbor, N.Y., 1989) for isolating further nucleic acid sequencesuseful in this process. A nucleic acid molecule encompassing a completesequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or a part thereof may additionally be isolatedby polymerase chain reaction, oligonucleotide primers based on thissequence or on parts thereof being used. For example, a nucleic acidmolecule comprising the complete sequence or part thereof can beisolated by polymerase chain reaction using oligonucleotide primerswhich have been generated on the basis of this very sequence. Forexample, mRNA can be isolated from cells [for example by means of theguanidinium thiocyanate extraction method of Chirgwin et al. (1979)Biochemistry 18:5294-5299] and cDNA can be generated by means of reversetranscriptase (for example Moloney MLV reverse transcriptase, availablefrom Gibco/BRL, Bethesda, Md., or AMV reverse transcriptase, obtainablefrom Seikagaku America, Inc., St. Petersburg, Fla.). Syntheticoligonucleotide primers for the amplification by means of polymerasechain reaction can be generated on the basis of a sequence shown herein,for example the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or the sequences derivedfrom SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ IDNO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37,SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ IDNO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63; SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75,SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO:85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQID NO: 111 or the sequences derived from SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115,SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ IDNO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133,SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ IDNO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151,SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ IDNO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169,SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ IDNO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187,SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ IDNO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205,SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ IDNO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223,SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ IDNO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241,SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ IDNO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275,SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ IDNO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287.

Such primers can be used to amplify nucleic acids sequences for examplefrom cDNA libraries or from genomic libraries and identify nucleic acidmolecules, which are useful in the inventive process and which have thebiological activity represented by the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ IDNO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40,SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ IDNO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78,SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO:104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO:122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO:140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO:158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO:176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO:194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO:212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO:230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO:248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO:282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288.

Advantageously the primers as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 92 and 93 areused—see table 1.

TABLE 1 Preferred primers SEQ Primer name ID NO: Sequence Length_F/Rat5g64410start 92 ATggCCACCgCCgACgAA forward TTCT at5g64410stop 93TTATTTAACCggACAACC reverse ATCAACA

Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from variousorganisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with thepolypeptide of the invention, in particular with the sequences shown inSEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10,SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ IDNO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48,SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ IDNO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86,SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110 or SEQ IDNO: 112 from which conserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primerscan be derived. Such a conserved region for the polypeptide of theinvention, is shown in SEQ ID NO: 87, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQID NO: 90 and SEQ ID NO: 91. Degenerate primers can then be utilized byPCR for the amplification of fragments of novel coding regions codingfor proteins having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring theincrease of the yield after reducing, decreasing or deleting theexpression or activity of the respective nucleic acid sequence or theprotein encoded by said sequence, which having the biological activityof the protein of the invention or further functional homologs of thepolypeptide of the invention from other organisms.

Moreover, it is possible to identify conserved regions from variousorganisms by carrying out protein sequence alignments with thepolypeptide of the invention, in particular with the sequences shown inSEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ IDNO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130,SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ IDNO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148,SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ IDNO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166,SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ IDNO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184,SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ IDNO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202,SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ IDNO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220,SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ IDNO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238,SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ IDNO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272,SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ IDNO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 from whichconserved regions, and in turn, degenerate primers can be derived. Sucha conserved region for the polypeptide of the invention is shown in SEQID NO: 265, SEQ ID NO: 266, SEQ ID NO: 267 and SEQ ID NO: 268.Degenerate primers can then be utilized by PCR for the amplification offragments of novel coding regions coding for proteins havingabove-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the increase in yield afterreducing, decreasing or deleting the expression or activity of therespective nucleic acid sequence or the protein encoded by saidsequence, which having the biological activity of the protein of theinvention or further functional homologs of the polypeptide of theinvention from other organisms.

These fragments can then be utilized as hybridization probe forisolating the complete gene sequence. As an alternative, the missing 5′and 3′ sequences can be isolated by means of RACE-PCR. A nucleic acidmolecule according to the invention can be amplified using cDNA or, asan alternative, genomic DNA as template and suitable oligonucleotideprimers, following standard PCR amplification techniques. The nucleicacid molecule amplified thus can be cloned into a suitable vector andcharacterized by means of DNA sequence analysis. Oligonucleotides, whichcorrespond to one of the nucleic acid molecules used in the process, canbe generated by standard synthesis methods, for example using anautomatic DNA synthesizer.

Nucleic acid molecules which are advantageously for the processaccording to the invention can be isolated based on their homology tothe nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein using the sequences or partthereof as hybridization probe and following standard hybridizationtechniques under stringent hybridization conditions. In this context, itis possible to use, for example, isolated nucleic acid molecules of atleast 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60 or more nucleotides, preferably ofat least 15, 20 or 25 nucleotides in length which hybridize understringent conditions with the above-described nucleic acid molecules, inparticular with those which encompass a nucleotide sequence of SEQ IDNO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113. Nucleic acid molecules with 30, 50, 100, 250 ormore nucleotides may also be used.

The term “homology” means that the respective nucleic acid molecules orencoded proteins are functionally and/or structurally equivalent. Thenucleic acid molecules that are homologous to the nucleic acid moleculesdescribed above and that are derivatives of said nucleic acid moleculesare, for example, variations of said nucleic acid molecules whichrepresent modifications having the same biological function, inparticular encoding proteins with the same or substantially the samebiological function. They may be naturally occurring variations, such assequences from other plant varieties or species, or mutations. Thesemutations may occur naturally or may be obtained by mutagenesistechniques. The allelic variations may be naturally occurring allelicvariants as well as synthetically produced or genetically engineeredvariants. Structurally equivalents can for example be identified bytesting the binding of said polypeptide to antibodies or computer basedpredictions. Structurally equivalent have the similar immunologicalcharacteristic, e.g. comprise similar epitopes.

By “hybridizing” it is meant that such nucleic acid molecules hybridizeunder conventional hybridization conditions, preferably under stringentconditions such as described by, e.g., Sambrook (Molecular Cloning; ALaboratory Manual, 2^(nd) Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press,Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989)) or in Current Protocols in MolecularBiology, John Wiley & Sons, N.Y. (1989), 6.3.1-6.3.6.

According to the invention, DNA as well as RNA molecules of the nucleicacid of the invention can be used as probes. Further, as template forthe identification of functional homologues Northern blot assays as wellas Southern blot assays can be performed. The Northern blot assayadvantageously provides further information about the expressed geneproduct: e.g. expression pattern, occurrence of processing steps, likesplicing and capping, etc. The Southern blot assay provides additionalinformation about the chromosomal localization and organization of thegene encoding the nucleic acid molecule of the invention.

A preferred, nonlimiting example of stringent Southern blothydridization conditions are hybridizations in 6× sodium chloride/sodiumcitrate (=SSC) at approximately 45° C., followed by one or more washsteps in 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 50 to 65° C., for example at 50° C., 55°C. or 60° C. The skilled worker knows that these hybridizationconditions differ as a function of the type of the nucleic acid and, forexample when organic solventsare present, with regard to the temperatureand concentration of the buffer. The temperature under “standardhybridization conditions” differs for example as a function of the typeof the nucleic acid between 42° C. and 58° C., preferably between 45° C.and 50° C. in an aqueous buffer with a concentration of 0.1×0.5×, 1×,2×, 3×, 4× or 5×SSC (pH 7.2). If organic solvent(s) is/are present inthe abovementioned buffer, for example 50% formamide, the temperatureunder standard conditions is approximately 40° C., 42° C. or 45° C. Thehybridization conditions for DNA:DNA hybrids are preferably for example0.1×SSC and 20° C., 25° C., 30° C., 35° C., 40° C. or 45° C., preferablybetween 30° C. and 45° C. The hybridization conditions for DNA: RNAhybrids are preferably for example 0.1×SSC and 30° C., 35° C., 40° C.,45° C., 50° C. or 55° C., preferably between 45° C. and 55° C. Theabovementioned hybridization temperatures are determined for example fora nucleic acid approximately 100 bp (=base pairs) in length and a G+Ccontent of 50% in the absence of formamide. The skilled worker knows todetermine the hybridization conditions required with the aid oftextbooks, for example the ones mentioned above, or from the followingtextbooks: Sambrook et al., “Molecular Cloning”, Cold Spring HarborLaboratory, 1989; Hames and Higgins (Ed.) 1985, “Nucleic AcidsHybridization: A Practical Approach”, IRL Press at Oxford UniversityPress, Oxford; Brown (Ed.) 1991, “Essential Molecular Biology: APractical Approach”, IRL Press at Oxford University Press, Oxford.

A further example of one such stringent hybridization condition ishybridization at 4×SSC at 65° C., followed by a washing in 0.1×SSC at65° C. for one hour. Alternatively, an exemplary stringent hybridizationcondition is in 50% formamide, 4×SSC at 42° C. Further, the conditionsduring the wash step can be selected from the range of conditionsdelimited by low-stringency conditions (approximately 2×SSC at 50° C.)and high-stringency conditions (approximately 0.2×SSC at 50° C.,preferably at 65° C.) (20×SSC: 0.3M sodium citrate, 3M NaCl, pH 7.0). Inaddition, the temperature during the wash step can be raised fromlow-stringency conditions at room temperature, approximately 22° C., tohigher-stringency conditions at approximately 65° C. Both of theparameters salt concentration and temperature can be variedsimultaneously, or else one of the two parameters can be kept constantwhile only the other is varied. Denaturants, for example formamide orSDS, may also be employed during the hybridization. In the presence of50% formamide, hybridization is preferably effected at 42° C. Relevantfactors like i) length of treatment, ii) salt conditions, iii) detergentconditions, iv) competitor DNAs, v) temperature and vi) probe selectioncan combined case by case so that not all possibilities can be mentionedherein.

Some examples of conditions for DNA hybridization (Southern blot assays)and wash step are shown below:

-   (1) Hybridization conditions can be selected, for example, from the    following conditions:    -   a) 4×SSC at 65° C.,    -   b) 6×SSC at 45° C.,    -   c) 6×SSC, 100 mg/ml denatured fragmented fish sperm DNA at 68°        C.,    -   d) 6×SSC, 0.5% SDS, 100 mg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA at 68°        C.,    -   e) 6×SSC, 0.5% SDS, 100 mg/ml denatured fragmented salmon sperm        DNA, 50% formamide at 42° C.,    -   f) 50% formamide, 4×SSC at 42° C.,    -   g) 50% (vol/vol) formamide, 0.1% bovine serum albumin, 0.1%        Ficoll, 0.1% polyvinylpyrrolidone, 50 mM sodium phosphate buffer        pH 6.5, 750 mM NaCl, 75 mM sodium citrate at 42° C.,    -   h) 2× or 4×SSC at 50° C. (low-stringency condition), or    -   i) 30 to 40% formamide, 2× or 4×SSC at 42° C. (low-stringency        condition).-   (2) Wash steps can be selected, for example, from the following    conditions:    -   a) 0.015 M NaCl/0.0015 M sodium citrate/0.1% SDS at 50° C.    -   b) 0.1×SSC at 65° C.    -   c) 0.1×SSC, 0.5% SDS at 68° C.    -   d) 0.1×SSC, 0.5% SDS, 50% formamide at 42° C.    -   e) 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 42° C.    -   f) 2×SSC at 65° C. (low-stringency condition).    -   g) 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 60° C. (medium-high stringency        conditions), or    -   h) 0.1×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 60° C. (medium-high stringency        conditions), or    -   i) 0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 65° C. (high stringency conditions), or    -   h) 0.1×SSC, 0.1% SDS at 65° C. (high stringency conditions)

Polypeptides having above-mentioned activity, e.g. conferring the yieldincrease, derived from other organisms, can be encoded by other DNAsequences, which hybridize to the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQID NO: 113 under relaxed hybridization conditions and which code onexpression for peptides having the further biological activities of theprotein of the invention.

Further, some applications have to be performed at low stringencyhybridization conditions, without any consequences for the specificityof the hybridization. For example, a Southern blot analysis of total DNAcould be probed with a nucleic acid molecule of the present inventionand washed at low stringency (55° C. in 2×SSPE, 0.1% SDS). Thehybridisation analysis could reveal a simple pattern of only genesencoding polypeptides of the present invention, e.g. havingherein-mentioned yield increasing activity and/or having also thebiological activity of an oligopeptide transporter protein as used inthe invention. A further example of such low-stringent hybridizationconditions is 4×SSC at 50° C. or hybridization with 30 to 40% formamideat 42° C. Such molecules comprise those which are fragments, analoguesor derivatives of the polypeptide of the invention and differ, forexample, by way of amino acid and/or nucleotide deletion(s),insertion(s), substitution(s), addition(s) and/or recombination(s) orany other modification(s) known in the art either alone or incombination from the above-described amino acid sequences or theirunderlying nucleotide sequence(s). However, it is preferred to use highstringency hybridisation conditions.

Hybridization should advantageously be carried out with fragments of atleast 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 or 40 bp, advantageously at least 50,60, 70 or 80 bp, preferably at least 90, 100 or 110 bp. Most preferablyare fragments of at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 bp. Preferably are alsohybridizations with at least 100 bp or 200, very especially preferablyat least 400 bp in length. In an especially preferred embodiment, thehybridization should be carried out with the entire nucleic acidsequence with conditions described above.

The terms “fragment”, “fragment of a sequence” or “part of a sequence”mean a truncated sequence of the original sequence referred to. Thetruncated sequence (nucleic acid or protein sequence) can vary widely inlength; the minimum size being a sequence of sufficient size to providea sequence or sequence fragment with at least 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 bp in length with at least 90, 91, 92, 93, 94,95, 96, 97, 98 or 99% identity preferably 100% identity with a fragmentof the nucleic acid molecules of the invention for example with thesequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113. Said truncatedsequences can as mentioned vary widely in length from 15 bp up to 2 kbor more, advantageously the sequences have a minimal length of 15, 20,25, 30, 35 or 40 bp, while the maximum size is not critical. 100, 200,300, 400, 500 or more base pair fragments can be used. In someapplications, the maximum size usually is not substantially greater thanthat required to provide the complete gene function(s) of the nucleicacid sequences of the invention. Such sequences can advantageously beenused for the repression, reduction, decrease or deletion of thebiological activity of the nucleic acid molecules and/or proteins of theinvention by for example the RNAi- or antisense-technology. For thereduction, decrease or deletion of the biological activity of theinventive nucleic acid sequence and/or the inventive protein also thepromotor regions of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences can be used.The skilled worker knows how to clone said promotor regions.

Typically, the truncated amino acid sequence will range from about 5 toabout 310 amino acids in length. More typically, however, the sequencewill be a maximum of about 250 amino acids in length, preferably amaximum of about 200 or 100 amino acids. It is usually desirable toselect sequences of at least about 10, 12 or 15 amino acids, up to amaximum of about 20 or 25 amino acids.

The term “epitope” relates to specific immunoreactive sites within anantigen, also known as antigenic determinates. These epitopes can be alinear array of monomers in a polymeric composition—such as amino acidsin a protein—or consist of or comprise a more complex secondary ortertiary structure. Those of skill will recognize that immunogens (i.e.,substances capable of eliciting an immune response) are antigens;however, some antigen, such as haptens, are not immunogens but may bemade immunogenic by coupling to a carrier molecule. The term “antigen”includes references to a substance to which an antibody can be generatedand/or to which the antibody is specifically immunoreactive.

In one embodiment the present invention relates to an epitope of thepolypeptide of the present invention.

The term “one or several amino acids” relates to at least one amino acidbut not more than that number of amino acids, which would result in ahomology of below 50% identity. Preferably, the identity is more than70% or 80%, more preferred are 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, evenmore preferred are 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity.

Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleicacid molecule, which is a complement of one of the nucleotide sequencesof above mentioned nucleic acid molecules or a portion thereof. Anucleic acid molecule which is complementary to one of the nucleotidesequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ IDNO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45,SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ IDNO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83,SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ IDNO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117,SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ IDNO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135,SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ IDNO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153,SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ IDNO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171,SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ IDNO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189,SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ IDNO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207,SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ IDNO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225,SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ IDNO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243,SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ IDNO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277,SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ IDNO: 287 is one which is sufficiently complementary to one of thenucleotide sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5,SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15,SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ IDNO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53,SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ IDNO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO:107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO:125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO:143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO:161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO:179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO:197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO:215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO:233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO:285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 such that it can hybridize to one of thenucleotide sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5,SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15,SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ IDNO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO. 43, SEQID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53,SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ IDNO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO:107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO:125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO:143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO:161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO:179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO:197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO:215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO:233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO:285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 thereby forming a stable duplex. Preferably, thehybridisation is performed under stringent hybridization conditions.However, a complement of one of the herein disclosed sequences ispreferably a sequence complement thereto according to the base pairingof nucleic acid molecules well known to the skilled person. For example,the bases A and G undergo base pairing with the bases T and U or C,resp. and vice versa. Modifications of the bases can influence thebase-pairing partner.

The nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotidesequence which is at least about 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%, preferably atleast about 50%, 55%, 60% or 65%, more preferably at least about 70%,80%, or 90%, and even more preferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%or more homologous to a nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21,SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ IDNO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59,SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO:69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ IDNO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO:113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO:131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO:149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO:167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO:185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193; SEQID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO:203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO:221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO:239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO:273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 or a portion thereof and/orhas the biological activity of the protein of the invention or thenucleic acid molecule encoding said protein. The nucleic acid moleculeof the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes,preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions as defined herein, toone of the nucleotide sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11 SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23,SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ IDNO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61,SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO:71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ IDNO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105,SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ IDNO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123,SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ IDNO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141,SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ IDNO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159,SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ IDNO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177,SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ IDNO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195,SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ IDNO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213,SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ IDNO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231,SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ IDNO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249,SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ IDNO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283,SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 or a portion thereof and encodes aprotein having aforementioned activity, e.g. conferring a yield increaseupon the reduction of deletion of its activity, and optionally, thebiological activity of the protein of the invention.

Moreover, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can comprise only aportion of the coding region of one of the sequences in SEQ ID NO: 1,SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11,SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ IDNO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49,SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ IDNO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103,SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ IDNO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121,SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ IDNO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139,SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ IDNO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157,SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ IDNO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175,SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ IDNO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193,SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ IDNO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211,SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ IDNO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229,SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ IDNO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247,SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ IDNO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281,SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 for example a fragmentwhich can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding abiologically active portion of the nucleic acid molecule or polypeptideof the present invention or a fragment encoding a non active part of thenucleic acid molecule or the polypeptide of the invention, i.e. havingabovementioned activity, e.g. conferring an increase in yield if itsexpression or activity is decreased. The nucleotide sequences determinedfrom the cloning of the present protein according to the inventionencoding gene allows for the generation of probes and primers designedfor use in identifying and/or cloning its homologues in other cell typesand organisms. The probe/primer typically comprises substantiallypurified oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotide typically comprises aregion of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditionsto at least about 12, 15 preferably about 20 or 25, more preferablyabout 40, 50 or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense strand of one ofthe sequences set forth, e.g., in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ IDNO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43,SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ IDNO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81,SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO:107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO:125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO:143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO:161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO:179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO:197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO:215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO:233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO:251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO:285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 an anti-sense sequence of one of the sequences,e.g., set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ IDNO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45,SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ IDNO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83,SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ IDNO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117,SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ IDNO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135,SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ IDNO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153,SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ IDNO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171,SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ IDNO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189,SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ IDNO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207,SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ IDNO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225,SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ IDNO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243,SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ IDNO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277,SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ IDNO: 287 or naturally occurring mutants thereof. Primers based on anucleotide of invention can be used in PCR reactions to clone homologuesof the polypeptide of the invention, e.g. as the primers described inthe examples of the present invention, e.g. as shown in the examples.Said nucleic acid molecules, which are homologues of the sequence of theinvention or the nucleic acid molecules of the invention themselves canbe used to reduce, decrease or delete the biological activity of thenucleic acid molecules and/or proteins of the invention.

Primer sets are interchangeable. The person skilled in the art knows tocombine said primers to result in the desired product, e.g. in afull-length clone or a partial sequence. Probes based on the sequencesof the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can be used to detecttranscripts or genomic sequences encoding the same or homologousproteins. The probe can further comprise a label group attached thereto,e.g. the label group can be a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, anenzyme, or an enzyme cofactor. Such probes can be used as a part of agenomic marker test kit for identifying cells which express or does notexpress a polypeptide of the invention, such as by measuring a level ofan encoding nucleic acid molecule in a sample of cells, e.g., detectingmRNA levels or determining, whether a genomic gene comprising thesequence of the polynucleotide of the invention has been mutated ordeleted.

The nucleic acid molecule of the invention encodes a polypeptide orportion thereof which includes an amino acid sequence which issufficiently homologous to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22,SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ IDNO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60,SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO:70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ IDNO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO:114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO:132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO:150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO:168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO:186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO:204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO:222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO:240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO:274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 such that the protein orportion thereof maintains the ability to participate in the yieldincrease, in particular a compound such as the protein of the inventionwhich is involved in the reduction, decrease and/or deletion of theyield increase by for example metabolization, degradation or export ofundesired chemical compounds and thereby increasing the yield upon thereduction or deletion of its activity as mentioned above or as describedin the examples in plants is comprised.

As used herein, the language “sufficiently homologous” refers toproteins or portions thereof which have amino acid sequences whichinclude a minimum number of identical or equivalent amino acid residues(e.g., an amino acid residue which has a similar side chain as an aminoacid residue in one of the sequences of the polypeptide of the presentinvention) to an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ IDNO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42,SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ IDNO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80,SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO:106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO:124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO:142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO:160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO:178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO:196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO:214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO:232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO:250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO:284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288. Portions of the aforementionedamino acid sequence are at least 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or more aminoacids in length. Nucleic acid sequences, which as a result of thedegeneracy of the genetic code, can be derived from said polypeptidesequences can be used for the repression, decrease or deletion of thebiological activity of the polypeptide or the nucleic acid molecule ofthe invention according to the disclosure herein.

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the present inventioncomprises a nucleic acid that encodes a portion of the protein of thepresent invention. The protein is at least about 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or50%, preferably at least about 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% and more preferablyat least about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94% and mostpreferably at least about 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to anentire amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6,SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ IDNO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44,SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ IDNO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82,SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO:126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO:144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO:162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO:180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO:198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO:216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO:234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO:252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO:286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 and having above-mentioned activity, e.g.conferring preferably the increase in yield upon being reduced in itsactivity.

Portions of proteins encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of theinvention are preferably in such a manner biologically active, that theyare increasing the yield of plant growth by being in its biologicalactivity reduced, decreased or deleted.

As mentioned herein, the term “biologically active portion” is intendedto include a portion, e.g., a domain/motif, that confers by introducingsaid nucleic acid sequence or part thereof an increase of the yield inplant growth.

The invention further relates to nucleic acid molecules which are usedin the inventive process and which as a result of degeneracy of thegenetic code can be derived from a polypeptide sequence as depicted inSEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10,SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ IDNO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48,SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ IDNO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86,SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ IDNO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120,SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ IDNO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138,SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ IDNO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156,SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ IDNO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174,SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ IDNO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192,SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ IDNO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210,SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ IDNO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228,SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ IDNO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246,SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ IDNO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280,SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 andthus encoding a polypeptide of the present invention, in particular apolypeptide leading by reducing, decreasing or deleting its biologicalactivity to an increase of the yield of plant growth. Advantageously,the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises, or in an otherembodiment has, a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein comprising, orin an other embodiment having, an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ IDNO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ IDNO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30,SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ IDNO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68,SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ IDNO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112,SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ IDNO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130,SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ IDNO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148,SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ IDNO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166,SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ IDNO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184,SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ IDNO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202,SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ IDNO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220,SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ IDNO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238,SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ IDNO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272,SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ IDNO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 which differfrom said amino acid sequences in at least one or more amino acids.

In addition, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that DNAsequence polymorphisms that lead to changes in the amino acid sequencesmay exist within a population. Such genetic polymorphism in the geneencoding the polypeptide of the invention or comprising the nucleic acidmolecule of the invention may exist among individuals within apopulation due to natural variation.

As used herein, the terms “gene” and “recombinant gene” refer to nucleicacid molecules comprising an open reading frame encoding the polypeptideof the invention or comprising the nucleic acid molecule of theinvention, preferably encoding the polypeptide of the invention orcomprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention derived from acrop plant or from a microorganism useful for increasing the yield inplants upon reduction in its activity, in particular encoding aoligopeptide transporter protein of the invention or comprising thenucleic acid molecule of the invention derived from a crop plant or amicroorganism for increasing the growth of plants or plant parts uponreduction of its activity. Such natural variations can typically resultin 1-5% variance in the nucleotide sequence of the gene used in theinventive process. Any and all such nucleotide variations and resultingamino acid polymorphisms in genes encoding a polypeptide of theinvention or comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention thatare the result of natural variation and that in the event of reducing,decreasing or deleting its biological activity do not alter thefunctional activity as described are intended to be within the scope ofthe invention.

Nucleic acid molecules corresponding to natural variants homologues of anucleic acid molecule of the invention, which can also be a cDNA, can beisolated based on their homology to the nucleic acid molecules disclosedherein using the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, or a portionthereof, as a hybridization probe according to standard hybridizationtechniques under stringent hybridization conditions.

Accordingly, in another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of theinvention is at least 15, 20, 25 or 30 nucleotides in length.Preferably, it hybridizes under stringent conditions to a nucleic acidmolecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid moleculeof the present invention, e.g. comprising the sequence shown in SEQ IDNO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113. The nucleic acid molecule is preferably atleast 20, 30, 50, 100, 250 or more nucleotides in length.

The term “hybridizes under stringent conditions” is defined above. Inone embodiment, the term “hybridizes under stringent conditions” isintended to describe conditions for hybridization and washing underwhich nucleotide sequences of at least 30%, 40%, 50% or 65% identical toeach other typically remain hybridized to each other. Preferably, theconditions are such that sequences of at least about 70%, morepreferably at least about 75% or 80%, and even more preferably of atleast about 85%, 90% or 95% or more identical to each other typicallyremain hybridized to each other.

Preferably, nucleic acid molecule of the invention that hybridizes understringent conditions to a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113corresponds to a naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecule of theinvention. As used herein, a “naturally-occurring” nucleic acid moleculerefers to a RNA or DNA molecule having a nucleotide sequence that occursin nature (e.g., encodes a natural protein). Preferably, the nucleicacid molecule encodes a natural protein having above-mentioned activity,e.g. conferring increase in plant growth or plant parts after reducing,decreasing or deleting the expression or activity thereof or theactivity of a protein having the biological activity of the protein ofthe invention.

In addition to naturally-occurring variants of the nucleic acid orprotein sequence of the invention that may exist in the population, theskilled artisan will further appreciate that changes can be introducedby mutation into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid moleculeencoding the polypeptide of the invention, thereby leading to changes inthe amino acid sequence of the encoded polypeptide of the invention andthereby altering the functional ability of the polypeptide, meaningpreferably reducing, decreasing or deleting said activity. For example,nucleotide substitutions leading to amino acid substitutions at“essential” amino acid residues can be made in a sequence of the nucleicacid molecule of the invention, e.g. in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113.An “essential” amino acid residue is a residue that if altered from thewild-type sequence of one of the polypeptide of the invention lead to analtered activity of said polypeptide, whereas a “non-essential” aminoacid residue is not required for the activity of the protein for examplefor the activity as an enzyme. The alteration of “essential” residueslead to a reduced decreased or deleted activity of the polypeptides ofthe invention. Preferably activity is reduced, decreased or deleted thatmeans preferably essential amino acid residues and/or more non-essentialresidues are changed and thereby the activity is reduced, which leads asmentioned above to an increase in growth of plants or plant parts afterdecreasing the expression or activity of the polypeptide of theinvention. Other amino acid residues, however, (e.g., those that are notconserved or only semi-conserved in the domain having said activity) maynot be essential for activity and thus are likely to be amenable toalteration without altering said activity are less preferred.

Further, a person skilled in the art knows that the codon usage betweenorganisms can differ. Therefore, he will adapt the codon usage in thenucleic acid molecule of the present invention to the usage of theorganism in which the polynucleotide or polypeptide is expressed, sothat the expression of the nucleic acid molecule or the encoded proteinof the invention is more likely reduced.

Accordingly, the invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encodingpolypeptide having abovementioned activity, e.g. conferring an increasedgrowth in a plant or plant part. Such polypeptides differ in amino acidsequence from a sequence contained in, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24,SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ IDNO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62,SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO:72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ IDNO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106,SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ IDNO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124,SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ IDNO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142,SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ IDNO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160,SEQ ID NO: 102, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ IDNO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178,SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ IDNO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196,SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ IDNO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214,SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ IDNO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232,SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ IDNO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250,SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ IDNO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284,SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 yet do not retain said biologicalactivity described herein and thereby enabling the increase in growth.The nucleic acid molecule can comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding apolypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence atleast about 50% identical to an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22,SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ IDNO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60,SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO:70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ IDNO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO:114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO:132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO:150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO:168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO:186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO:204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO:222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO:240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO:274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 and is capable ofparticipation in the increase of plant growth after decreasing itsexpression or its biological function. Preferably, the protein encodedby the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 60%, 70% or 80% identicalto the sequence in SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 114, more preferably atleast about 85% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 114, even morepreferably at least about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% homologous to thesequence in SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 114, and most preferably at leastabout 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the sequence in SEQ ID NO: 2 orSEQ ID NO: 114.

To determine the percentage homology (=identity) of two amino acidsequences (for example of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16,SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ IDNO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54,SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ IDNO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO:126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO:144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO:162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO:180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO:198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO:216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO:234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO:252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO:286 or SEQ ID NO: 288) or of two nucleic acid molecules (for example ofthe sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 3, the sequences are written oneunderneath the other for an optimal comparison (for example gaps may beinserted into the sequence of a protein or of a nucleic acid in order togenerate an optimal alignment with the other protein or the othernucleic acid). The amino acid residues or nucleic acid molecules at thecorresponding amino acid positions or nucleotide positions are thencompared. If a position in one sequence is occupied by the same aminoacid residue or the same nucleic acid molecule as the correspondingposition in the other sequence, the molecules are homologous at thisposition (i.e. amino acid or nucleic acid “homology” as used in thepresent context corresponds to amino acid or nucleic acid “identity”.The percentage homology between the two sequences is a function of thenumber of identical positions shared by the sequences (i.e. %homology=number of identical positions/total number of positions×100).The terms “homology” and “identity” are thus to be considered assynonyms for this description.

For the determination of the percentage homology (=identity) of two ormore amino acids or of two or more nucleotide sequences several computersoftware programs have been developed. The homology of two or moresequences can be calculated with for example the software fasta, whichpresently has been used in the version fasta 3 (W. R. Pearson and D. J.Lipman (1988), Improved Tools for Biological Sequence Comparison. PNAS85:2444-2448; W. R. Pearson (1990) Rapid and Sensitive SequenceComparison with FASTP and FASTA, Methods in Enzymology 183:63-98; W. R.Pearson and D. J. Lipman (1988) Improved Tools for Biological SequenceComparison. PNAS 85:2444-2448; W. R. Pearson (1990); Rapid and SensitiveSequence Comparison with FASTP and FASTAMethods in Enzymology183:63-98). Another useful program for the calculation of homologies ofdifferent sequences is the standard blast program, which is included inthe Biomax pedant software (Biomax, Munich, Federal Republic ofGermany). This leads unfortunately sometimes to suboptimal results sinceblast does not always include complete sequences of the subject and thequerry. Nevertheless as this program is very efficient it can be usedfor the comparison of a huge number of sequences. The following settingsare typically used for such a comparisons of sequences:

-p Program Name [String]; -d Database [String]; default=nr; -i QueryFile [File In]; default=stdin; -e Expectation value (E) [Real];default=10.0; -m alignment view options: 0=pairwise; 1=query-anchoredshowing identities; 2=query-anchored no identities; 3=flatquery-anchored, show identities; 4=flat query-anchored, no identities;5=query-anchored no identities and blunt ends; 6=flat query-anchored, noidentities and blunt ends; 7=XML Blast output; 8=tabular; 9 tabular withcomment lines [Integer]; default=0; -o BLAST report Output File [FileOut] Optional; default=stdout; -F Filter query sequence (DUST withblastn, SEG with others) [String]; default=T; -G Cost to open a gap(zero invokes default behavior) [Integer]; default=0; -E Cost to extenda gap (zero invokes default behavior) [Integer]; default=0; -X X dropoffvalue for gapped alignment (in bits) (zero invokes default behavior);blastn 30, megablast 20, tblastx 0, all others 15 [Integer]; default=0;-I Show GI's in deflines [T/F]; default=F; -q Penalty for a nucleotidemismatch (blastn only) [Integer]; default=−3; -r Reward for a nucleotidematch (blastn only) [Integer]; default=1; -v Number of databasesequences to show one-line descriptions for (V) [Integer]; default=500;-b Number of database sequence to show alignments for (B) [Integer];default=250; -f Threshold for extending hits, default if zero; blastp11, blastn 0, blastx 12, tblastn 13; tblastx 13, megablast 0 [Integer];default=0; -g Perform gapped alignment (not available with tblastx)[T/F]; default=T; -Q Query Genetic code to use [Integer]; default=1; -DDB Genetic code (for tblast[nx] only) [Integer]; default=1; -a Number ofprocessors to use [Integer]; default=1; -O SeqAlign file [File Out]Optional; -J Believe the query defline [T/F]; default=F; -M Matrix[String]; default=BLOSUM62; -W Word size, default if zero (blastn 11,megablast 28, all others 3) [Integer]; default=0; -z Effective length ofthe database (use zero for the real size) [Real]; default=0; -K Numberof best hits from a region to keep (off by default, if used a value of100 is recommended) [Integer]; default=0; -P 0 for multiple hit, 1 forsingle hit [Integer]; default=0; -Y Effective length of the search space(use zero for the real size) [Real]; default=0; -S Query strands tosearch against database (for blast[nx], and tblastx); 3 is both, 1 istop, 2 is bottom [Integer]; default=3; -T Produce HTML output [T/F];default=F; -I Restrict search of database to list of GI's [String]Optional; -U Use lower case filtering of FASTA sequence [T/F] Optional;default=F; -y X dropoff value for ungapped extensions in bits (0.0invokes default behavior); blastn 20, megablast 10, all others 7 [Real];default=0.0; -Z X dropoff value for final gapped alignment in bits (0.0invokes default behavior); blastn/megablast 50, tblastx 0, all others 25[Integer]; default=0; -R PSI-TBLASTN checkpoint file [File In] Optional;-n MegaBlast search [T/F]; default=F; -L Location on query sequence[String] Optional; -A Multiple Hits window size, default if zero(blastn/megablast 0, all others 40 [Integer]; default=0; -w Frame shiftpenalty (OOF algorithm for blastx) [Integer]; default=0; -t Length ofthe largest intron allowed in tblastn for linking HSPs (0 disableslinking) [Integer]; default=0.

Results of high quality are reached by using the algorithm of Needlemanand Wunsch or Smith and Waterman. Therefore programs based on saidalgorithms are preferred. Advantageously the comparisons of sequencescan be done with the program PileUp (J. Mol. Evolution, 25, 351-360,1987, Higgins et al., CABIOS, 5 1989: 151-153) or preferably with theprograms Gap and BestFit, which are respectively based on the algorithmsof Needleman and Wunsch [J. Mol. Biol. 48; 443-453 (1970)] and Smith andWaterman [Adv. Appl. Math. 2; 482-489 (1981)]. Both programs are part ofthe GCG software-package [Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive,Madison, Wis., USA 53711 (1991); Altschul et al. (1997) Nucleic AcidsRes. 25:3389 et seq.]. Therefore preferably the calculations todetermine the percentages of sequence homology are done with the programGap over the whole range of the sequences. The following standardadjustments for the comparison of nucleic acid sequences were used: gapweight 50, length weight: 3, average match: 10.000, average mismatch:0.000.

For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO:1 at the nucleic acid level is understood as meaning a sequence which,upon comparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 by the above Gap programalgorithm with the above parameter set, has 80% homology.

Homology between two polypeptides is understood as meaning the identityof the amino acid sequence over in each case the entire sequence lengthwhich is calculated by comparison with the aid of the program algorithmGap (Wisconsin Package Version 10.0, University of Wisconsin, GeneticsComputer Group (GCG), Madison, USA), setting the following parameters:gap weight: 8; length weight 2; average match: 2.912; average mismatch:−2.003.

For example a sequence which has a 80% homology with sequence SEQ ID NO:2 at the protein level is understood as meaning a sequence which, uponcomparison with the sequence SEQ ID NO: 2 by the above Gap programalgorithm with the above parameter set, has 80% homology.

Functional equivalents derived from one of the polypeptides as shown inSEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10,SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ IDNO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48,SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ IDNO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86,SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ IDNO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120,SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ IDNO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138,SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ IDNO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156,SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ IDNO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174,SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ IDNO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192,SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ IDNO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210,SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ IDNO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228,SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ IDNO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246,SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ IDNO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280,SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288according to the invention by substitution, insertion or deletion haveat least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or70% by preference at least 80%, especially preferably at least 85% or90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%, very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%,98% or 99% homology with one of the polypeptides as shown in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ IDNO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40,SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ IDNO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78,SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO:104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO:122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO:140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO:158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO:176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO:194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO:212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO:230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO:248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO:282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 according to theinvention and are characterized by essentially the same properties asthe polypeptide as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 114 of A.thaliana.

Functional equivalents derived from the nucleic acid sequences as shownin SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113 according to the invention bysubstitution, insertion or deletion have at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or50%, preferably at least 55%, 60%, 65% or 70% by preference at least80%, especially preferably at least 85% or 90%, 91%, 92%, 93% or 94%,very especially preferably at least 95%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology withone of the polypeptides as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ IDNO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ IDNO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34,SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ IDNO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72,SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO:82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ IDNO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112 or SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO:116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO:134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO:152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO:170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO:188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO:206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO:224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO:242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO:276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 respectively according to the invention andencode polypeptides having essentially the same properties as thepolypeptide as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ IDNO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26,SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ IDNO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64,SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ IDNO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108,SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112 or SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ IDNO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126,SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ IDNO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144,SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ IDNO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162,SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ IDNO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180,SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ IDNO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198,SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ IDNO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216,SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ IDNO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234,SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ IDNO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ IDNO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286or SEQ ID NO: 288.

“Essentially the same properties” of a functional equivalent is aboveall understood as meaning that the functional equivalent has abovementioned activity, e.g. conferring an increasing growth of plants orplant parts while decreasing the amount of protein, activity or functionof said functional equivalent in a plant, in a plant tissue, plant cellsor a part of the same.

A nucleic acid molecule encoding a homologe to a protein sequence SEQ IDNO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ IDNO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30,SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ IDNO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68,SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ IDNO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112or SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO:130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO:148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO:166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO:184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO:202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO:220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO:238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO:272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 can becreated by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additionsor deletions into a nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid molecule ofthe present invention, in particular of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23,SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ IDNO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61,SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO:71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ IDNO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105,SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111 or SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ IDNO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123,SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ IDNO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141,SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ IDNO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159,SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ IDNO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177,SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ IDNO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195,SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ IDNO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213,SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ IDNO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231,SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ IDNO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249,SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ IDNO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283,SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 such that one or more amino acidsubstitutions, additions or deletions are introduced into the encodedprotein. Mutations can be introduced into the sequences of, e.g. SEQ IDNO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ IDNO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29,SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ IDNO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67,SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ IDNO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111,SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ IDNO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129,SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ IDNO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147,SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ IDNO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165,SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO:169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ IDNO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183,SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ IDNO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201,SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO:207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ IDNO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219,SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ IDNO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237,SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ IDNO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271,SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ IDNO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 by standardtechniques, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediatedmutagenesis.

Preferably, non-conservative amino acid substitutions are made at one ormore predicted nonessential or preferably essential amino acid residuesand thereby reducing, decreasing or deleting the activity of therespective protein. A “conservative amino acid substitution” is one inwhich the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residuehaving a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues havingsimilar side chains have been defined in the art. These families includeamino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine),acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polarside chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine,tyrosine, cysteine), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine,leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan),beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) andaromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan,histidine).

Thus, a predicted nonessential or essential amino acid residue in apolypeptide of the invention is preferably replaced with another aminoacid residue from another family. Alternatively, in another embodiment,mutations can be introduced randomly along all or part of a codingsequence of a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, such as bysaturation mutagenesis, and the resultant mutants can be screened foractivity described herein to identify mutants that lost or havedecreased biological activity, e.g. conferring an increase in plantgrowth or growth of plant parts.

Most preferably the activity of the polypeptides of the invention can bereduced or deleted by for example creation of stop codons throughmutation or insertions.

Following mutagenesis of one of the sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ IDNO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ IDNO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31,SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO:41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ IDNO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69,SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO:79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ IDNO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113,SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ IDNO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131,SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ IDNO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149,SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ IDNO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167,SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ IDNO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185,SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ IDNO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203,SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ IDNO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221,SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ IDNO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239,SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ IDNO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273,SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ IDNO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 the encoded protein can beexpressed recombinantly and the activity of the protein can bedetermined using, for example, assays described herein (see Examples).

The highest homology of the polypeptide molecule SEQ ID NO: 2 used inthe process according to the invention was found for the followingdatabase entries by Gap search:

Hit Best Homolog % Identity SEQ ID NO: 2 SPTREMBL_Q6YUP9 88 SEQ ID NO: 2SPTREMBL_Q8S2I4 87 SEQ ID NO: 2 SPTREMBL_Q7F9L4 86 SEQ ID NO: 2PIR_F86233 84 SEQ ID NO: 2 PIR_T01900 80 SEQ ID NO: 2 SPTREMBL_Q8H641 80

Homologs of the nucleic acid sequences used, with the sequence SEQ IDNO: 1 or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from the sequences SEQ IDNO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ IDNO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29,SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ IDNO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67,SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ IDNO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111comprise also allelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40%or 45% homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%,more preferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%and even more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% ormore homology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or theabovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues,derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompassin particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion,insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown,preferably from SEQ ID NO: 1, or from the derived nucleic acidsequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or thebiological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized isadvantageously lost or decreased.

Homologs of the nucleic acid sequences used, with the sequence SEQ IDNO: 113 or of the nucleic acid sequences derived from the sequences SEQID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO:121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO:139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO:157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO:175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO:193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO:211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO:229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO:247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO:281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 comprise alsoallelic variants with at least approximately 30%, 35%, 40% or 45%homology, by preference at least approximately 50%, 60% or 70%, morepreferably at least approximately 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95% andeven more preferably at least approximately 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or morehomology with one of the nucleotide sequences shown or theabovementioned derived nucleic acid sequences or their homologues,derivatives or analogues or parts of these. Allelic variants encompassin particular functional variants which can be obtained by deletion,insertion or substitution of nucleotides from the sequences shown,preferably from SEQ ID NO: 113, or from the derived nucleic acidsequences, the intention being, however, that the enzyme activity or thebiological activity of the resulting proteins synthesized isadvantageously lost or decreased.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the nucleic acid moleculecomprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113. It ispreferred that the nucleic acid molecule comprises as little as possibleother nucleotides not shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113. In oneembodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 500, 400, 300,200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or 40 further nucleotides. In a furtherembodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30, 20 or 10further nucleotides.

Also preferred is that the nucleic acid molecule of the inventionencodes a polypeptide comprising the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22,SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ IDNO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60,SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO:70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ IDNO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO:114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO:132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO:150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO:168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO:186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO:204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO:222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO:240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO:274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288.

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes less than 150, 130,100, 80, 60, 50, 40 or 30 further amino acids. In a further embodiment,the encoded polypeptide comprises less than 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6 or 5further amino acids. In one embodiment used in the inventive process,the encoded polypeptide is identical to the sequences shown in SEQ IDNO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ IDNO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30,SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ IDNO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68,SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ IDNO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112,SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ IDNO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130,SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ IDNO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148,SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ IDNO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166,SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ D NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ IDNO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184,SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ IDNO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202,SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ IDNO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220,SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ IDNO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238,SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ IDNO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272,SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ IDNO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288.

In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptidecomprising the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113comprises less than 100 further nucleotides. In a further embodiment,the nucleic acid molecule comprises less than 30 further nucleotides.

Polypeptides (=proteins), which still have the abovementioned activityof the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g. conferring an increaseof growth in plants or plant parts or having the biological activity ofan oligopeptide transporter protein of the invention, i.e. polypeptideswhose activity is essentially reduced, are polypeptides by at least 10%or 20%, by preference 30% or 40%, especially preferably 50% or 60%, veryespecially preferably 80% or 90% or more in comparison to the wild typebiological activity or enzyme activity, advantageously, the activity isessentially reduced in comparison with the activity of a protein encodedby SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ IDNO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38,SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ IDNO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76,SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO:86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO:120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO:138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO:156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO:174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO:192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO:210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO:228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO:246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO:280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288and expressed under identical conditions.

Homologs of SEQ ID NO: 1 or of the derived sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1,SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11,SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ IDNO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49,SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ IDNO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103,SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111 also meantruncated sequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding andnoncoding DNA sequence. Homologus of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the derivedsequences of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17,SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ IDNO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55,SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO:65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ IDNO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO:109, SEQ ID NO: 111 are also understood as meaning derivatives whichcomprise noncoding regions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators,enhancers or promoter variants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotidesequences stated can be modified by one or more nucleotidesubstitution(s), insertion(s) and/or deletion(s) with, however,preferably interfering with the functionality or activity either of thepromoters, the open reading frame (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatoryregion such as terminators or other 3′ regulatory regions, which are faraway from the ORF. It is furthermore possible that the activity of thepromoters is decreased by modification of their sequence or theirregulation, or that they are replaced completely by less activepromoters and thereby the activity of the expressed nucleic acidsequence is reduced or deleted, even promoters from heterologousorganisms. Appropriate promoters are known to the person skilled in theart and are mentioned herein below. Further methods exists to modulatethe promoters of the genes of the invention, e.g. by modifying theactivity of transacting factors, meaning natural or artificialtranscription factors, which can bind to the promoter and influence itsactivity. Furthermore it is possible to influence promoters of interestby modifying upstream signaling components like receptors or kinases,which are involved in the regulation of the promoter of interest.

Homologs of SEQ ID NO: 113 or of the derived sequences of SEQ ID NO:113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO:131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO:149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO:167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO:185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO:203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO:221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO:239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO:273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 also mean truncatedsequences, cDNA, single-stranded DNA or RNA of the coding and noncodingDNA sequence. Homologus of SEQ ID NO: 113 or the derived sequences ofare also understood as meaning derivatives which comprise noncodingregions such as, for example, UTRs, terminators, enhancers or promotervariants. The promoters upstream of the nucleotide sequences stated canbe modified by one or more nucleotide substitution(s), insertion(s)and/or deletion(s) with, however, preferably interfering with thefunctionality or activity either of the promoters, the open readingframe (=ORF) or with the 3′-regulatory region such as terminators orother 3′ regulatory regions, which are far away from the ORF. It isfurthermore possible that the activity of the promoters is decreased bymodification of their sequence or their regulation, or that they arereplaced completely by less active promoters and thereby the activity ofthe expressed nucleic acid sequence is reduced or deleted, evenpromoters from heterologous organisms. Appropriate promoters are knownto the person skilled in the art and are mentioned herein below. Furthermethods exists to modulate the promoters of the genes of the invention,e.g. by modifying the activity of transacting factors, meaning naturalor artificial transcription factors, which can bind to the promoter andinfluence its activity. Furthermore it is possible to influencepromoters of interest by modifying upstream signaling components likereceptors or kinases, which are involved in the regulation of thepromoter of interest.

In a further embodiment, the process according to the present inventioncomprises the following steps:

-   (a) selecting an organism or a part thereof expressing the    polypeptide of this invention;-   (b) mutagenizing the selected organism or the part thereof;-   (c) comparing the activity or the expression level of said    polypeptide in the mutagenized organism or the part thereof with the    activity or the expression of said polypeptide in the selected    organisms or the part thereof;-   (d) selecting the mutagenized organisms or parts thereof, which    comprise a decreased activity or expression level of said    polypeptide compared to the selected organism (a) or the part    thereof;-   (e) optionally, growing and cultivating the organisms or the parts    thereof; and-   (f) harvesting the organisms or parts therefore like e.g. seeds,    fruits.

The organisms or part thereof show according to the herein mentionedprocess of the invention an increased growth of the plant compared tosaid control or selected plant or parts thereof.

Advantageously the selected plants were mutagenized according to theinvention. According to the invention mutagenesis is any change of thegenetic information in the genome of a plant, that means any structuralor compositional change in the nucleic acid preferably DNA of a plantthat is not caused by normal segregation or genetic recombinationprocesses. Such mutations may occur spontaneously, or may be induced bymutagens as described below. Such change can be induced either randomlyor selectively. In both cases the genetic information of the plant ismodified. In general this leads to the situation that the activity ofthe gene product of the relevant genes inside the cells or inside theplant is reduced or repressed.

In case of the specific or site directed mutagenesis a distinct gene ismutated and thereby its activity and/or the activity or the encoded geneproduct is repressed, reduced, decreased or deleted. In the event of arandom mutagenesis one or more genes are mutated by chance and theiractivities and/or the activities of their gene products are repressed,reduced, decreased or deleted, preferably decreased or deleted.

For the purpose of a mutagenesis of a huge population of plants, suchpopulation can be transformed with a DNA population or a DNA bank, whichare useful for the inhibition of as much as possible genes of a plant,preferably all genes. With this method it is possible to statisticallymutagenize nearly all genes of a plant by the integration of anadvantageously identified DNA-fragment. Afterwards the skilled workercan easily identify the knocked out event. For the mutagenesis of plantsEMS, T-DNA and/or transposon mutagenesis is preferred.

In the event of a random mutagenesis a huge number of plants are treatedwith a mutagenic agent. The amount of said agent and the intensity ofthe treatment will be chosen in such a manner that statistically nearlyevery gene is mutated. The process for the random mutagenesis as well asthe respective agents is well known by the skilled person. Such methodsare disclosed for example by A. M. van Harten [(1998), “Mutationbreeding: theory and practical applications”, Cambridge UniversityPress, Cambridge, UK], E Friedberg, G Walker, W Siede [(1995), “DNARepair and Mutagenesis”, Blackwell Publishing], or K. Sankaranarayanan,J. M. Gentile, L. R. Ferguson [(2000) “Protocols in Mutagenesis”,Elsevier Health Sciences]. As the skilled worker knows the spontaneousmutation rate in the cells of an organism is very low and that a largenumber of chemical, physical or biological agents are available for themutagenesis of organisms. These agents are named as mutagens ormutagenic agents. As mentioned before three different kinds of mutagenschemical, physical or biological agents are available.

There are different classes of chemical mutagens, which can be separatedby their mode of action. For example base analogues such as5-bromouracil, 2-amino purin. Other chemical mutagens are interactingwith the DNA such as sulphuric acid, nitrous acid, hydroxylamine; orother alkylating agents such as monofunctional agents like ethylmethanesulfonate (=EMS), dimethylsulfate, methyl methanesulfonate,bifunctional like dichloroethyl sulphide, Mitomycin,Nitrosoguanidine-dialkylnitrosamine, N-Nitrosoguanidin derivatives,N-alkyl-N-nitro-N-nitroso-guanidine, intercalating dyes like Acridine,ethidium bromide.

Physical mutagens are for example ionizing irradiation (X-ray), UVirradiation. Different forms of irradiation are available and they arestrong mutagens. Two main classes of irradiation can be distinguished:a) non-ionizing irradiation such as UV light or ionizing irradiationsuch as X-ray. Biological mutagens are for example transposable elementsfor example IS elements such as IS100, transposons such as Tn5, Tn10,Tn903, Tn916 or Tn1000 or phages like Mu^(amplac), P1, T5, λplac etc.Methods for introducing this phage DNA into the appropriatemicroorganism are well known to the skilled worker (see Microbiology,Third Edition, Eds. Davis, B. D., Dulbecco, R., Eisen, H. N. andGinsberg, H. S., Harper International Edition, 1980). The commonprocedure of a transposon mutagenesis is the insertion of a transposableelement within a gene or nearby for example in the promotor orterminator region and thereby leading to a loss of the gene function.Procedures to localize the transposon within the genome of the organismsare well known by a person skilled in the art. For transposonmutagenesis in plants the maize transposon systemsActivator-Dissociation (Ac/Ds) and Enhancer-Suppressor mutator (En/Spm)are known to the worker skilled in the art but other transposon systemsmight be similarly useful. The transposons can be brought into the plantgenomes by different available standard techniques for planttransformations. Another type of biological mutagenesis in plantsincludes the T-DNA mutagenesis, meaning the random integration of T-DNAsequences into the plant genome [Feldmann, K. A. (1991) T-DNA insertionmutagenesis in Arabidopsis: Mutational spectrum. Plant J. 1, 71-82]. Theevent in which the gene of interest is mutated can later be searched byPCR- or other high throughput technologies [Krysan et al., (1999) T_DNAas an insertional mutagen in Arabidopsis, Plant Cell, 11, 2283-2290].

Another very efficient method is the introduction of mutations into thegenome of bacteria with the aid of transposons (=Tn). Transposons havesome common properties, which make them useful as tool for themutagenesis. Such properties are for example ubiquitous finding innature for example they are found on chromosomes, plasmids and phages.The transposition of the transposons in the genome is rec-independentand has a general frequency of 10⁻⁴-10⁻⁷. Transposons are in thepossession of an encoded transposase and inverted terminal repeats attheir ends. Furthermore they need for integration in the genome aminimal target sequence specificity, bordering on random. Like plasmidsthey often confer antibiotic resistance. As an advantage they generatepolar mutations. Three kinds of transposons are distinguished from oneanother a) conservative transposons: copy number doesn't increase upontransposition; b) replicative transposons: transposon is copied upontransposition resulting in two copies and c) conjugative transposons:transposon encodes Tra functions, excises and transfers to another host.As the skilled worker knows methods have been developed which facilitatethe introduction of transposable elements into a wide variety of bothgram negative and gram positive bacteria. Therefore transposableelements can be introduced into the genome of nearly every bacteria.They insert somewhat randomly thus causing insertion mutations. Sincethe average bacterial species has approximately 3000 genes, one cansaturate the chromosome with ease. Furthermore, the transposon providesa molecular tag, which can be subsequently used to identify the mutatedgene and clone it. In combination with genomics, transposons are apowerful approach to mutate distinct genes. As mentioned before thereare many different methods to introduce transposons into bacteria. Thechoice will depend on the nature of the target bacterium. Transposonscan be introduced into the genome of a bacteria for example with the aidof a temperature-sensitive replicon, a so called bump plasmid byintroduction of an incompatible replicon, a transfer plasmid lackingessential replication protein supplied in trans in donor cell or phagethat lacks replication in the host organism. Typically well knowntransposons are Tn5, Tn10, Tn903, Tn916, Tn1000 etc.

Other methods are for example the introduction of mutation with the aidof viruses such as bacteriophages such as P1, P22, T2, T3, T5, T7,Mu^(amplac), Mu, Mu1, MuX, miniMu, λ, λplac or insertion elements suchas IS3, IS 100, IS900 etc. Again the whole genome of the bacteria israndomly mutagenized. Mutants can be easily identified.

Another method to disrupt the nucleic acid sequence of the invention andthereby reducing, decreasing or deleting the biological activity of theencoded polypeptide can be reached by homologous recombination with analtered nucleic acid sequence of the invention. The nucleic acidsequences of the invention can therefore be altered by one or more pointmutations, deletions, or inversions, but still encodes a functionalprotein of the invention or a non-functional protein. In anotherembodiment of the invention, one or more of the regulatory regions(e.g., a promoter, repressor, or inducer) of the gene encoding theprotein of the invention has been altered (e.g., by deletion,truncation, inversion, or point mutation) such that the expression ofthe corresponding gene is modulated that means reduced, decreased ordeleted.

Preferably a chemical or biochemical procedure is used for themutagenesis of the organisms. A preferred chemical method is themutagenesis with N-methyl-N-nitro-nitrosoguanidine.

Other biological methods are disclosed by Spee et al. (Nucleic AcidsResearch, Vol. 21, No. 3, 1993: 777-778). Spee et al. teaches a PCRmethod using dITP for the random mutagenesis. This method described bySpee et al. was further improved by Rellos et al. (Protein Expr. Purif.,5, 1994: 270-277). The use of an in vitro recombination technique formolecular mutagenesis is described by Stemmer (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.USA, Vol. 91, 1994: 10747-10751). Moore et al. (Nature BiotechnologyVol. 14, 1996: 458-467) describe the combination of the PCR andrecombination methods for increasing the enzymatic activity of anesterase toward a para-nitrobenzyl ester. Another route to themutagenesis of enzymes is described by Greener et al. in Methods inMolecular Biology (Vol. 57, 1996: 375-385). Greener et al. use thespecific Escherichia coli strain XL-1-Red to generate Escherichia colimutants which have increased antibiotic resistance.

In one embodiment, the protein according to the invention or the nucleicacid molecule characterized herein originates from an eukaryotic orprokaryotic organism such as a non-human animal, a plant, amicroorganism such as a fungi, a yeast, an alga, a diatom or abacterium. Nucleic acids, which advantageously can be used in theinventive process originate from plants, for example the familyBrassicaceae, in particular the genus Arabidopsis and the especiallyadvantageous from the species Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition nucleicacid sequences, which advantageously can be used in the inventiveprocess originate from plants such as maize, soja, canola, wheat,barley, triticale, rice, linseed, sunflower or potato. The Accessionscorresponding to the SEQ ID NO: 2 of the polypeptide of this inventioncan be taken from the following table for example. Sequence SEQ ID NO: 2is deposited under the Genebank Accession number At5g 64410.

SEQ ID NO: Accession Organism Protein at5g64410 Arabidopsis thaliana 2PIR|D71430 Arabidopsis thaliana 4 PIR|F86233 Arabidopsis thaliana 6PIR|S50773 Saccharomyces cerevisiae 8 PIR|S58824 Saccharomycescerevisiae 10 PIR|T01900 Arabidopsis thaliana 12 PIR|T05878 Arabidopsisthaliana 14 PIR|T08925 Arabidopsis thaliana 16 PIR|T38497Schizosaccharomyces 18 pombe PIR|T41655 Schizosaccharomyces 20 pombeSPTREMBL|O14411 Candida albicans 22 SPTREMBL|Q6TUA0 Zea mays 24SPTREMBL|Q6YUP9 Oryza sativa 26 SPTREMBL|Q6Z0P5 Oryza sativa 28SPTREMBL|Q6Z8U6 Oryza sativa 30 SPTREMBL|Q6ZCL0 Oryza sativa 32SPTREMBL|Q750H8 Ashbya gossypii 34 SPTREMBL|Q75BG1 Ashbya gossypii 36SPTREMBL|Q75CX1 Ashbya gossypii 38 SPTREMBL|Q75D67 Ashbya gossypii 40SPTREMBL|Q75LM0 Oryza sativa 42 SPTREMBL|Q7F9L4 Oryza sativa 44SPTREMBL|Q7RW19 Neurospora crassa 46 SPTREMBL|Q7S189 Neurospora crassa48 SPTREMBL|Q7S4I2 Neurospora crassa 50 SPTREMBL|Q7S4Q8 Neurosporacrassa 52 SPTREMBL|Q7S882 Neurospora crassa 54 SPTREMBL|Q7S9V4Neurospora crassa 56 SPTREMBL|Q7SC23 Neurospora crassa 58SPTREMBL|Q7SEW1 Neurospora crassa 60 SPTREMBL|Q8H641 Oryza sativa 62SPTREMBL|Q8S2I4 Oryza sativa 64 SPTREMBL|Q8WZL3 Yarrowia lipolytica 66SPTREMBL|Q93ZI8 Arabidopsis thaliana 68 SPTREMBL|Q940I5 Arabidopsisthaliana 70 SPTREMBL|Q9FG72 Arabidopsis thaliana 72 SPTREMBL|Q9FJD1Arabidopsis thaliana 74 SPTREMBL|Q9FJD2 Arabidopsis thaliana 76SPTREMBL|Q9LWV0 Oryza sativa 78 SPTREMBL|Q9LWW1 Oryza sativa 80SPTREMBL|Q9LWW2 Oryza sativa 82 SPTREMBL|Q9P939 Schizophyllum commune 84SWISSPROT|ISP4 SCHPO Schizosaccharomyces 86 pombe

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention relates to an isolatednucleic acid molecule which comprises a nucleic acid molecule selectedfrom the group consisting of:

-   a) nucleic acid molecule which encodes a polypeptide comprising the    polypeptide shown in, SEQ ID NO: 2-   b) nucleic acid molecule comprising the polynucleotide shown in SEQ    ID NO: 1;    -   nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleic acid sequence, which,        as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code, can be        derived from a polypeptide sequence depicted (b) and having the        biological activity represented by the protein as depicted in        SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID        NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO:        18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26,        SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ        ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID        NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:        52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60,        SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ        ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID        NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO:        86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO:        110, SEQ ID NO: 112;-   c) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having at least 50%    identity with the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide encoded by    the nucleic acid molecule of (a) or (c) and having the biological    activity represented by the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ    ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12,    SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID    NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30,    SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID    NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48,    SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID    NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66,    SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID    NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84,    SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ    ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112;-   d) nucleic acid molecule which comprises a polynucleotide, which is    obtained by amplifying a cDNA library or a genomic library using the    primers in SEQ ID NO: 92 and SEQ ID NO: 93, SEQ ID NO: 94, SEQ ID    NO: 95, SEQ ID NO: 96, SEQ ID NO: 97, SEQ ID NO: 98, SEQ ID NO: 99,    SEQ ID NO: 100, SEQ ID NO: 101 and SEQ ID NO: 102,-   e) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, which is isolated    with the aid of monoclonal and/or polyclonal antibodies against a    polypeptide encoded by one of the nucleic acid molecules of (a)    to (c) and having the biological activity represented by the protein    as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO:    8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ    ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO:    26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ    ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO:    44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ    ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO:    62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ    ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:    80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ    ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112;-   f) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide comprising the    consensus sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 87, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO:    89, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO: 91, SEQ ID NO: 265, SEQ ID NO: 266,    SEQ ID NO: 267 or SEQ ID NO: 268 and having the biological activity    represented by the protein as depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:    4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID    NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22,    SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID    NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40,    SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID    NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58,    SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID    NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76,    SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID    NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO:    110, SEQ ID NO: 112;-   g) nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having the    biological activity represented by the protein as depicted in SEQ ID    NO: 2;-   h) nucleic acid molecule which is obtainable by screening a suitable    library under stringent hybridisation conditions with a probe    comprising one of the sequences of the nucleic acid molecule of (a)    to (c) or with a fragment of at least 15 nt, preferably 20 nt, 30    nt, 50 nt, 100 nt, 200 nt or 500 nt of the nucleic acid molecule    characterized in (a) to (i) and encoding a polypeptide having the    biological activity represented by the protein as depicted in SEQ ID    NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ    ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:    20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ    ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:    38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ    ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:    56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ    ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:    74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ    ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:    108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112;-   i) or which comprises a sequence which is complementary thereto;    whereby the nucleic acid molecule according to (a) to (j) is at    least in one or more nucleotides different from the sequence    depicted in SEQ ID NO: 1 and/or which encodes a protein which    differs at least in one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,    nine, ten or more amino acids from the protein sequences depicted in    SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO:    10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ    ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:    28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ    ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:    46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ    ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO:    64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ    ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO:    82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106,    SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112.

In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the presentinvention is at least 30% identical to the nucleic acid sequencedepicted in SEQ ID NO: 1 and less than 100%, preferably less than99.999%, 99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96%or 95% identical to the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1. Preferably, thenucleic acid molecule also does not encode a polypeptide as shown in SEQID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20,SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ IDNO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58,SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ IDNO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO:112.

In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule depicted in SEQ ID NO:1 does not encode a protein of the sequence shown in, SEQ ID NO: 2. Thatmeans the protein sequences depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2 does not consist ofthe sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. In a further embodiment, the proteinof the present invention is at least 30% identical to protein sequencedepicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18,SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ IDNO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56,SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ IDNO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO:110, SEQ ID NO: 112 and less than 100%, preferably less than 99.999%,99.99% or 99.9%, more preferably less than 99%, 985, 97%, 96% or 95%identical to the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ IDNO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ IDNO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34,SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ IDNO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72,SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO:82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ IDNO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112.

The nucleic acid sequences used in the process are advantageouslyintroduced in a nucleic acid construct, preferably an expressioncassette, which allows the reduction, depression etc. of the nucleicacid molecules in a plant.

Accordingly, the invention also relates to a nucleic acid construct,preferably to an expression construct, comprising the nucleic acidmolecule of the present invention or a fragment thereof functionallylinked to one or more regulatory elements or signals.

As described herein, the nucleic acid construct can also comprisefurther genes, which are to be introduced into the plant or plant cells.It is possible and advantageous to introduce into, and express in, thehost plant regulatory genes such as genes for inductors, repressors orenzymes, which, owing to their enzymatic activity, engage in theregulation of one or more genes of a biosynthetic pathway or inregulation of gene expression or modification of metabolism. These genescan be of heterologous or homologous origin. Moreover, furtherbiosynthesis genes may advantageously be present, or else these genesmay be located on one or more further nucleic acid constructs. Genes,which are advantageously additionally employed as plant growthincreasing genes are transcription factors, general signaling componentslike kinases and phosphateses, cell cycle and cell cycle related genes,genes involved in the production and reception of phytohormes and genesof the amino acid metabolism, of glycolysis, of the tricarboxylic acidmetabolism or their combinations.

As described herein, regulator sequences or factors can have a positiveeffect on preferably the gene expression of the genes introduced, thusincreasing it. Thus, an enhancement of the regulator elements mayadvantageously take place at the transcriptional level by using strongtranscription signals such as promoters and/or enhancers. In addition,however, an enhancement of translation is also possible, for example byincreasing RNA stability. On the other hand the nucleic acid moleculesof the invention and the gene products are reduced, decreased or deletedto increase the plant growth as described by the invention.

In principle, the nucleic acid construct can comprise the hereindescribed regulator sequences and further sequences relevant for thereduction of the expression of nucleic acid molecules of the inventionand on the other side for the expression of additional genes in theconstruct. Thus, the nucleic acid construct of the invention can be usedas expression cassette and thus can be used directly for introductioninto the plant, or else they may be introduced into a vector.Accordingly in one embodiment the nucleic acid construct is anexpression cassette comprising a microorganism promoter or amicroorganism terminator or both. In another embodiment the expressioncassette encompasses a plant promoter or a plant terminator or both.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the process according to the inventioncomprises the following steps:

-   1. introduction of a nucleic acid construct comprising the nucleic    acid molecule of the invention, which encodes the polypeptide of the    present invention;-   or-   2. introduction of a nucleic acid molecule, including regulatory    sequences or factors, which expression decreases the expression of    the polypeptide of the invention;-   in a plant cell, a plant tissue, a plant or a plant part thereof,    and-   3. repressing the polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acids of the    invention by the nucleic acid construct or the nucleic acid molecule    mentioned under (a) or (b) in the cell or the plant.

After the introduction and expression of the nucleic acid construct thetransgenic plant, preferably a crop plant, or a part thereof, or plantcell or tissue is advantageously cultured and subsequently harvested.

To introduce a nucleic acid molecule for example an RNAi, antisensenucleic acid sequence or a mutagenized nucleic acid sequence into anucleic acid construct, e.g. as part of an expression cassette, whichleads to a reduced activity and/or expression of the respective gene,the codogenic gene segment or a part of it or the untranslated regionsare as advantageously subjected to an amplification and ligationreaction in the manner known by a skilled person. It is preferred tofollow a procedure similar to the protocol for the Pfu DNA polymerase ora Pfu/Taq DNA polymerase mixture. The primers are selected according tothe sequence to be amplified. Additional possibilities include the 5′ or3′ untranslated regions or the promoter region. After the amplification,the amplificate is expediently analyzed. For example, the analysis mayconsider quality and quantity and be carried out following separation bygel electrophoresis. Thereafter, the amplificate can be purifiedfollowing a standard protocol (for example Qiagen). An aliquot of thepurified amplificate is then available for the subsequent cloning step.Suitable cloning vectors are generally known to the skilled worker[Cloning Vectors (Eds. Pouwels P. H. et al. Elsevier, Amsterdam-NewYork-Oxford, 1985, SBN 0 444 904018)].

They include, in particular, vectors which are capable of replication ineasy to handle cloning systems like bacterial yeast or insect cell based(e.g. baculovirus expression) systems, that is to say especially vectorswhich ensure efficient cloning in E. coli, and which make possible thestable transformation of plants. Vectors, which must be mentioned, inparticular are various binary and cointegrated vector systems, which aresuitable for the T-DNA-mediated transformation. Such vector systems aregenerally characterized in that they contain at least the vir genes,which are required for the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, andthe T-DNA border sequences.

In general, vector systems preferably also comprise furthercis-regulatory regions such as promoters and terminators and/orselection markers by means of which suitably transformed organisms canbe identified. While vir genes and T-DNA sequences are located on thesame vector in the case of cointegrated vector systems, binary systemsare based on at least two vectors, one of which bears vir genes, but noT-DNA, while a second one bears T-DNA, but no vir gene. Owing to thisfact, the last-mentioned vectors are relatively small, easy tomanipulate and capable of replication in E. coli and in Agrobacterium.These binary vectors include vectors from the series pBIB-HYG, pPZP,pBecks, pGreen. Those, which are preferably used in accordance with theinvention, are Bin19, pBl101, pBinAR, pSun, pGPTV and pCAMBIA orpHELLESGATE. An overview of binary vectors and their use is given byHellens et al, Trends in Plant Science (2000) 5, 446-451.

For a vector preparation, vectors may first be linearized usingrestriction endonuclease(s) and then be modified enzymatically in asuitable manner. Thereafter, the vector is purified, and an aliquot isemployed in the cloning step. In the cloning step, the enzyme-cleavedand, if required, purified amplificate is cloned together with similarlypre-pared vector fragments, using ligase. In this context, a specificnucleic acid construct, or vector or plasmid construct, may have one orelse more codogenic or non codogenic gene segments. The gene segments inthese constructs are preferably linked operably to regulatory sequences.The regulatory sequences include, in particular, plant sequences likethe above-described promoters and terminators. The constructs canadvantageously be propagated stably in microorganisms, in particularEscherichia coli and/or Agrobacterium tumefaciens, under selectiveconditions and enable the transfer of heterologous DNA into plants orother microorganisms. In accordance with a particular embodiment, theconstructs are based on binary vectors (overview of a binary vectorHellens et al., 2000). As a rule, they contain prokaryotic regulatorysequences, such as replication origin and selection markers, for themultiplication in microorganisms such as Escherichia coli andAgrobacterium tumefaciens. Vectors can further contain agrobacterialT-DNA sequences for the transfer of DNA into plant genomes or othereukaryotic regulatory sequences for transfer into other eukaryoticcells, e.g. Saccharomyces sp. For the transformation of plants, at leastthe right border sequence, which comprises approximately 25 base pairs,of the total agrobacterial T-DNA sequence is required. Usually, theplant transformation vector constructs according to the inventioncontain T-DNA sequences both from the right and from the left borderregion, which contain expedient recognition sites for site-specificacting enzymes, which, in turn, are encoded by some of the vir genes.

Advantageously preferred in accordance with the invention are hostorganisms of the genus Agrobacterium tumefaciens or plants. Preferredplants are selected from among the families Aceraceae, Anacardiaceae,Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Betulaceae, Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae,Bromeliaceae, Cactaceae, Caricaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Cannabaceae,Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Geraniaceae, Gramineae,Juglandaceae, Lauraceae, Leguminosae, Linaceae, Cucurbitaceae,Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Nymphaeaceae,Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Arecaceae, Iridaceae,Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Gentianaceae, Labiaceae, Magnoliaceae,Ranunculaceae, Carifolaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Ericaceae,Polygonaceae, Violaceae, Juncaceae, Poaceae, perennial grass, foddercrops, vegetables and ornamentals.

Especially preferred are plants selected from the groups of the familiesApiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae,Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae or Poaceae. Especiallyadvantageous are, in particular, crop plants. Accordingly, anadvantageous plant preferably belongs to the group of the genus peanut,oilseed rape, canola, sunflower, safflower, olive, sesame, hazelnut,almond, avocado, bay, pumpkin/squash, linseed, soya, pistachio, borage,maize, wheat, rye, oats, sorghum and millet, triticale, rice, barley,cassaya, potato, sugarbeet, fodder beet, egg plant, and perennialgrasses and forage plants, oil palm, vegetables (brassicas, rootvegetables, tuber vegetables, pod vegetables, fruiting vegetables, onionvegetables, leafy vegetables and stem vegetables), buckwheat, Jerusalemartichoke, broad bean, vetches, lentil, alfalfa, dwarf bean, lupin,clover and luceme. Further preferred plants are mentioned above.

In order to introduce, into a plant, the nucleic acid molecule of theinvention or used in the process according to the invention for examplean RNAi, antisense nucleic acid sequence or a mutagenized nucleic acidsequence, it has proved advantageous first to transfer them into anintermediate host, for example a bacterium or a eukaryotic unicellularcell. The transformation into E. coli, which can be carried out in amanner known per se, for example by means of heat shock orelectroporation, has proved itself expedient in this context. Thus, thetransformed E. coli colonies can be analysed for their cloningefficiency. This can be carried out with the aid of a PCR. Here, notonly the identity, but also the integrity, of the plasmid construct canbe verified with the aid of a defined colony number by subjecting analiquot of the colonies to said PCR. The amplificates are separated byelectrophoresis and assessed with regard to quantity and quality.

The nucleic acid constructs, which are optionally verified, aresubsequently used for the transformation of the plants or other hosts,e.g. other eukaryotic cells or other prokaryotic cells. To this end, itmay first be necessary to obtain the constructs from the intermediatehost. For example, the constructs may be obtained as plasmids frombacterial hosts by a method similar to conventional plasmid isolation.

Gene silencing in plants can advantageously achieved by transienttransformation technologies, meaning that the nucleic acids arepreferably not integrated into the plant genome. Suitable systems fortransient plant transformations are for example agrobacterium based andplant virus based systems. Details about virus based transient systemsand their use for gene silencing in plants have been described in Lu etal. in Methods 2003, 30(4) 296-303. The use of agrobacterium for thetransient expression of nucleic acids in plants have been described forexample by Fuentes et al., 2003 in Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2003 Nov. 21online: doi: 10.1042/BA20030192.

A large number of methods for the transformation of plants are known.Since, in accordance with the invention, a stable integration ofheterologous DNA into the genome of plants is advantageous, theT-DNA-mediated transformation has proved expedient in particular. Forthis purpose, it is first necessary to transform suitable vehicles, inparticular agrobacteria, with a gene segment or the correspondingplasmid construct comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention.This can be carried out in a manner known per se. For example, saidnucleic acid construct of the invention, or said expression, antisenseor RNAi construct or said plasmid construct, which has been generated inaccordance with what has been detailed above, can be transformed intocompetent agrobacteria by means of electroporation or heat shock. Inprinciple, one must differentiate between the formation of cointegratedvectors on the one hand and the transformation with binary vectors onthe other hand. In the case of the first alternative, the constructs,which comprise the codogenic gene segment or the nucleic acid moleculeof the invention have no T-DNA sequences, but the formation of thecointegrated vectors or constructs takes place in the agrobacteria byhomologous recombination of the construct with T-DNA. The T-DNA ispresent in the agrobacteria in the form of Ti or Ri plasmids in whichexogenous DNA has expediently replaced the oncogenes. If binary vectorsare used, they can be transferred to agrobacteria either by bacterialconjugation or by direct transfer. These agrobacteria expedientlyalready comprise the vector bearing the vir genes (currently referred toas helper Ti(Ri) plasmid).

In addition the stable transformation of plastids is of advantageousbecause plastids are inherited maternally in most crops reducing oreliminating the risk of transgene flow through pollen. The process ofthe transformation of the chloroplast genome is generally achieved by aprocess which has been schematically displayed in Klaus et al., 2004,Nature Biotechnology 22(2), 225-229).

Briefly the sequences to be transformed are cloned together with aselectable marker gene between flanking sequences homologous to thechloroplast genome. These homologous flanking sequences direct sitespecific intergration into the plastome. Plastidal transformation hasbeen described for many different plant species and an overview can betaken from Bock et al. [(2001) Transgenic plastids in basic research andplant biotechnology. J Mol Biol. 2001 Sep. 21; 312(3):425-38] or Maliga,P [Progress towards commercialization of plastid transformationtechnology. Trends Biotechnol. 21, 20-28 (2003)]. Furtherbiotechnological progress has recently been reported in form of markerfree plastid transformants, which can be produced by a transientcointegrated maker gene [Klaus et al., 2004, Nature Biotechnology 22(2),225229].

One or more markers may expediently also be used together with thenucleic acid construct, or the vector of the invention and, if plants orplant cells shall be transformed together with the T-DNA, with the aidof which the isolation or selection of transformed organisms, such asagrobacteria or transformed plant cells, is possible. These marker genesenable the identification of a successful transfer of the nucleic acidmolecules according to the invention via a series of differentprinciples, for example via visual identification with the aid offluorescence, luminescence or in the wavelength range of light which isdiscernible for the human eye, by a resistance to herbicides orantibiotics, via what are known as nutritive markers (auxotrophismmarkers) or antinutritive markers, via enzyme assays or viaphytohormones. Examples of such markers which may be mentioned are GFP(=green fluorescent protein); the luciferin/luceferase system, theβ-galactosidase with its colored substrates, for example X-Gal, theherbicide resistances to, for example, imidazolinone, glyphosate,phosphinothricin or sulfonylurea, the antibiotic resistances to, forexample, bleomycin, hygromycin, streptomycin, kanamycin, tetracyclin,chloramphenicol, ampicillin, gentamycin, geneticin (G418), spectinomycinor blasticidin, to mention only a few, nutritive markers such as theutilization of mannose or xylose, or antinutritive markers such as theresistance to 2-deoxyglucose. This list is a small number of possiblemarkers. The skilled worker is very familiar with such markers.Different markers are preferred, depending on the organism and theselection method.

As a rule, it is desired that the plant nucleic acid constructs beflanked by T-DNA at one or both sides of the gene segment. This isparticularly useful when bacteria of the species Agrobacteriumtumefaciens or Agrobacterium rhizogenes are used for the transformation.A method, which is preferred in accordance with the invention, is thetrans-formation with the aid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. However,biolistic methods may also be used advantageously for introducing thesequences in the process according to the invention, and theintroduction by means of PEG is also possible. The transformedagrobacteria can be grown in the manner known per se and are thusavailable for the expedient transformation of the plants. The plants orplant parts to be transformed are grown or provided in the customarymanner. The transformed agrobacteria are subsequently allowed to act onthe plants or plant parts until a sufficient transformation rate isreached. Allowing the agrobacteria to act on the plants or plant partscan take different forms. For example, a culture of morphogenic plantcells or tissue may be used. After the T-DNA transfer, the bacteria are,as a rule, eliminated by antibiotics, and the regeneration of planttissue is induced. This is done in particular using suitable planthormones in order to initially induce callus formation and then topromote shoot development.

The transfer of nucleic acid constructs into the genome of a plant iscalled transformation. In doing this the methods described for thetransformation and regeneration of plants from plant tissues or plantcells are utilized for transient or stable transformation. Anadvantageous transformation method is the transformation in planta. Tothis end, it is possible, for example, to allow the agrobacteria to acton plant seeds or to inoculate the plant meristem with agrobacteria. Ithas proved particularly expedient in accordance with the invention toallow a suspension of transformed agrobacteria to act on the intactplant or at least the flower primordia. The plant is subsequently grownon until the seeds of the treated plant are obtained (Clough and Bent,Plant J. (1998) 16, 735-743). To select transformed plants, the plantmaterial obtained in the transformation is, as a rule, subjected toselective conditions so that transformed plants can be distinguishedfrom untransformed plants. For example, the seeds obtained in theabove-described manner can be planted and, after an initial growingperiod, subjected to a suitable selection by spraying. A furtherpossibility consists in growing the seeds, if appropriate aftersterilization, on agar plates using a suitable selection agent so thatonly the transformed seeds can grow into plants. Further advantageoustransformation methods, in particular for plants, are known to theskilled worker and are described hereinbelow.

A further advantageously suitable methods are protoplast transformationby poly(ethylene glycol)-induced DNA uptake, the “biolistic” methodusing the gene cannon—referred to as the particle bombardment method,electroporation, the incubation of dry embryos in DNA solution,microinjection and gene transfer mediated by Agrobacterium. Said methodsare described by way of example in B. Jenes et al., Techniques for GeneTransfer, in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization,eds. S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993) 128-143 and in PotrykusAnnu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991) 205-225). Thenucleic acids or the construct to be expressed is preferably cloned intoa vector, which is suitable for transforming Agrobacterium tumefaciens,for example pBin19 (Bevan et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 12 (1984) 8711).Agrobacteria transformed by such a vector can then be used in knownmanner for the transformation of plants, in particular of crop plantssuch as by way of example tobacco plants, for example by bathing bruisedleaves or chopped leaves in an agrobacterial solution and then culturingthem in suitable media. The transformation of plants by means ofAgrobacterium tumefaciens is described, for example, by Höfgen andWillmitzer in Nucl. Acid Res. (1988) 16, 9877 or is known inter aliafrom F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; inTransgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, eds. S. D. Kungand R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, pp. 15-38.

The abovementioned nucleic acid molecules can be cloned into the nucleicacid constructs or vectors according to the invention in combinationtogether with further genes, or else different genes are introduced bytransforming several nucleic acid constructs or vectors (includingplasmids) into a host cell, advantageously into a plant cell or amicroorgansims.

In addition to the sequences mentioned in SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO:113 or its derivatives, it is advantageous additionally to expressand/or mutate further genes in the organisms. It is also possible thatthe regulation of the natural genes has been modified advantageously sothat the gene and/or its gene product is no longer subject to theregulatory mechanisms which exist in the organisms. This leads to anincreased growth desired since, for example, feedback regulations nolonger exist to the same extent or not at all. In addition it might beadvantageously to combine the sequences SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23,SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ IDNO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61,SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO:71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ IDNO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105,SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111 or SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ IDNO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117, SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123,SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ ID NO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ IDNO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135, SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141,SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ ID NO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ IDNO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153, SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159,SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ ID NO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ IDNO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171, SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177,SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ ID NO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ IDNO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189, SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195,SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ ID NO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ IDNO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207, SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213,SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ ID NO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ IDNO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225, SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231,SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ ID NO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ IDNO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243, SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249,SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ ID NO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ IDNO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277, SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283,SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ ID NO: 287 which are reduced in the biologicalactivity, with genes which generally support or enhance the growth oryield of the target organism, for example genes which lead to faster agrowth rate or genes which for example produces stress-, pathogen, orherbicide resistant plants.

In a further embodiment of the process of the invention, therefore,organisms are grown, in which there is simultaneous overexpression of atleast one nucleic acid or one of the genes which code for proteinsselected from the group of gene products consisting of aspartate kinase(lysC), of aspartate-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (asd), ofglyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gap), of 3-phosphoglyceratekinase (pgk), of pyruvate carboxylase (pyc), of triosephosphateisomerase (tpi), of homoserine O-acetyltransferase (metA), ofcystathionine γ-synthase (metB), of cystathionine gamma-lyase (metC),cystathionine β-lyase, of methionine synthase (metH), of serinehydroxymethyltransferase (glyA), of O-acetylhomoserine sulfhydrylase(metY), of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (metF), of phosphoserineaminotransferase (serC), of phosphoserine phosphatase (serB), of serineacetyltransferase (cysE), of cysteine synthase (cysK), of homoserinedehydrogenase (hom) and S-adenosylmethionine synthase (metX).

A further advantageous nucleic acid sequence, which can be expressed incombination with the sequences used in the process and/or theabovementioned biosynthesis genes is the sequence of the ATP/ADPtranslocator as described in WO 01/20009. This ATP/ADP translocatorleads to an increased synthesis of the essential amino acids lysineand/or methionine.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention,the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously atleast one of the aforementioned genes or one of the aforementionednucleic acids is mutated so that the activity of the correspondingproteins is influenced by metabolites to a smaller extent compared withthe unmutated proteins, or not at all, and that in particular thetransport of oligopeptides according to the invention is not impaired,or so that their specific enzymatic activity is increased. Thisincreased activity of the genes, which are expressed in addition to thereduced, decreased or deleted activities of the nucleic acid sequencesof the invention, leads to an increased plant growth. Less influencemeans in this connection that the regulation of the enzymic activity isless by at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%,particularly advantageously by at least 50, 60 or 70%, compared with thestarting organism, and thus the activity of the enzyme is increased bythese figures mentioned compared with the starting organism. An increasein the enzymatic activity means an enzymatic activity which is increasedby at least 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%, particularlyadvantageously by at least 50, 60 or 70%, compared with the startingorganism. This leads to an increased plant growth.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the process of the invention,the organisms used in the process are those in which simultaneously atleast one of the genes selected from homoserine kinase (thrB), threoninedehydratase (ilvA), threonine synthase (thrC), meso-diaminopimelateD-dehydrogenase (ddh), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (pck),glucose-6-phosphate 6-isomerase (pgi), pyruvate oxidase (poxB),dihydrodipicolinate synthase (dapA), dihydrodipicolinate reductase(dapB) and diaminopicolinate decarboxylase (lysA) or a threonindegrading protein is attenuated, in particular by reducing the rate ofexpression of the corresponding gene.

In another embodiment of the process of the invention, the organismsused in the process are those in which simultaneously at least one ofthe aforementioned nucleic acids or of the aforementioned genes ismutated in such a way that the enzymatic activity of the correspondingprotein is partially reduced or completely blocked. A reduction in theenzymatic activity means an enzymatic activity, which is reduced by atleast 10%, advantageously at least 20, 30 or 40%, particularlyadvantageously by at least 50, 60 or 70%, preferably more, compared withthe starting organism.

If it is intended to transform the host cell, in particular the plantcell, with several constructs or vectors, the marker of a precedingtransformation must be removed or a further marker employed in afollowing transformation. The markers can be removed from the host cell,in particular the plant cell, as described hereinbelow via methods withwhich the skilled worker is familiar. In particular plants without amarker, in particular without resistance to antibiotics, are anespecially preferred embodiment of the present invention.

In the process according to the invention, the nucleic acid sequencesused in the process according to the invention are advantageously linkedoperably to one or more regulatory signals in order to increase geneexpression for example if RNAi or antisense is used. These regulatorysequences are intended to enable the specific expression of the genes orgene fragments. Depending on the host organism for example plant ormicroorganism, this may mean, for example, that the gene or genefragment is expressed and/or overexpressed after induction only, or thatit is expressed and/or overexpressed constitutive. These regulatorysequences are, for example, sequences to which the inductors orrepressors bind and which thus regulate the expression of the nucleicacid. In addition to these novel regulatory sequences, or instead ofthese sequences, the natural regulation of these sequences may still bepresent before the actual structural genes and, if appropriate, may havebeen genetically modified so that the natural regulation has beenswitched off and gene expression has been increased. However, thenucleic acid construct of the invention suitable as expression cassette(=expression construct=gene construct) can also be simpler inconstruction, that is to say no additional regulatory signals have beeninserted before the nucleic acid sequence or its derivatives, and thenatural promoter together with its regulation has not been removed.Instead, the natural regulatory sequence has been mutated in such a waythat regulation no longer takes place and/or gene expression isincreased. These modified promoters can also be introduced on their ownbefore the natural gene in the form of part sequences (=promoter withparts of the nucleic acid sequences according to the invention) in orderto increase the activity. Moreover, the gene construct canadvantageously also comprise one or more of what are known as enhancersequences in operable linkage with the promoter, and these enable anincreased expression of the nucleic acid sequence. Also, it is possibleto insert additional advantageous sequences at the 3′ end of the DNAsequences, such as, for example, further regulatory elements orterminators.

The nucleic acid molecules, which encode proteins according to theinvention and nucleic acid molecules, which encode other polypeptidesmay be present in one nucleic acid construct or vector or in severalones. Advantageously, only one copy of the nucleic acid molecule of theinvention or its encoding genes is present in the nucleic acid constructor vector. Several vectors or nucleic acid construct or vector can beexpressed together in the host organism. The nucleic acid molecule orthe nucleic acid construct or vector according to the invention can beinserted in a vector and be pre-sent in the cell in a free form. If astable transformation is preferred, a vector is used, which is stablyduplicated over several generations or which is else be inserted intothe genome. In the case of plants, integration into the plastid genomeor, in particular, into the nuclear genome may have taken place. For theinsertion of more than one gene in the host genome the genes to beexpressed are present together in one gene construct, for example inabove-described vectors bearing a plurality of genes.

As a rule, regulatory sequences for the expression rate of a gene arelocated upstream (5′), within, and/or downstream (3′) relative to thecoding sequence of the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or anothercodogenic gene segment. They control in particular transcription and/ortranslation and/or the transcript stability. The expression level isdependent on the conjunction of further cellular regulatory systems,such as the protein biosynthesis and degradation systems of the cell.

Regulatory sequences include transcription and translation regulatingsequences or signals, e.g. sequences located upstream (5′), whichconcern in particular the regulation of transcription or translationinitiation, such as promoters or start codons, and sequences locateddownstream (3′), which concern in particular the regulation oftranscription or translation termination and transcript stability, suchas polyadenylation signals or stop codons. Regulatory sequences can alsobe present in transcribed coding regions as well in transcribednon-coding regions, e.g. in introns, as for example splicing sites.

Promoters for the regulation of expression of the nucleic acid moleculeaccording to the invention in a cell and which can be employed are, inprinciple, all those which are capable of reducing the transcription ofthe nucleic acid molecules or stimulating the transcription ofadditional genes in the organisms in question, such as microorganisms orplants, depending on the goal, which should be reached by using saidpromotors. Suitable promoters, which are functional in these organisms,are generally known. They may take the form of constitutive or induciblepromoters. Suitable promoters can enable the development- and/ortissue-specific expression in multi-celled eukaryotes; thus, leaf-,root-, flower-, seed-, stomata-, tuber- or fruit-specific promoters mayadvantageously be used in plants.

Promoters, which are particularly advantageous, are constitutive, tissueor compartment specific and inducible promoters. In general, “promoter”is understood as meaning, in the present context, a regulatory sequencein a nucleic acid molecule, which mediates the expression of a codingsequence segment of a nucleic acid molecule. In general, the promoter islocated upstream to the coding sequence segment. Some elements, forexample expression-enhancing elements such as enhancer may, however,also be located downstream or even in the transcribed region.

In principle, it is possible to use natural promoters together withtheir regulatory sequences, such as those mentioned above, for the novelprocess. It is also possible advantageously to use synthetic promoters,either additionally or alone, in particular when they mediateseed-specific expression such as described in, for example, WO 99/16890.

The expression of the nucleic acid molecules used in the process may bedesired alone or in combination with other genes or nucleic acids.Multiple nucleic acid molecules conferring repression or expression ofadvantageous genes, depending on the goal to be reached, can beintroduced via the simultaneous transformation of several individualsuitable nucleic acid constructs, i.e. expression constructs, or,preferably, by combining several expression cassettes on one construct.It is also possible to transform several vectors with in each caseseveral expression cassettes stepwise into the recipient organism.

As described above, the transcription of the genes, which are inaddition to the genes of the invention introduced should advantageouslybe terminated by suitable terminators at the 3′ end of the biosynthesisgenes introduced (behind the stop codon). A terminator, which may beused for this purpose is, for example, the OCS1 terminator, the nos3terminator or the 35S terminator. As is the case with the promoters,different terminator sequences should be used for each gene.

Different plant promoters such as, for example, the USP, the LegB4-, theDC3 promoter or the ubiquitin promoter from parsley or other hereinmentioned promoter and different terminators may advantageously be usedin the nucleic acid construct. Further useful plant promoters are forexample the maize ubiquitin promoter, the ScBV (Sugarcaine bacilliformvirus) promoter, the Ipt2 or Ipt1-gene promoters from barley (WO95/15389 and WO 95/23230) or those described in WO 99/16890 (promotersfrom the barley hordein-gene, the rice glutelin gene, the rice oryzingene, the rice prolamin gene, the wheat gliadin gene, wheat glutelingene, the maize zein gene, the oat glutelin gene, the Sorghumkasirin-gene, the rye secalin gene).

In order to ensure the stable integration, into the transgenic plant, ofnucleic acid molecules used in the process according to the invention incombination with further biosynthesis genes over a plurality ofgenerations, each of the coding regions used in the process should beexpressed under the control of its own, preferably unique, promotersince repeating sequence motifs may lead to recombination events or tosilencing or, in plants, to instability of the T-DNA.

The nucleic acid construct is advantageously constructed in such a waythat a promoter is followed by a suitable cleavage site for insertion ofthe nucleic acid to be expressed, advantageously in a polylinker,followed, if appropriate, by a terminator located behind the polylinker.If appropriate, this order is repeated several times so that severalnucleic acid sequences are combined in one construct and thus can beintroduced into the transgenic plant in order to be expressed. Thesequence is advantageously repeated up to three times. For theexpression, the nucleic acid sequences are inserted via the suitablecleavage site, for example in the polylinker behind the promoter. It isadvantageous for each nucleic acid sequence to have its own promoterand, if appropriate, its own terminator, as mentioned above. However, itis also possible to insert several nucleic acid sequences behind apromoter and, if appropriate, before a terminator if a polycistronictranscription is possible in the host or target cells. In this context,the insertion site, or the sequence of the nucleic acid moleculesinserted, in the nucleic acid construct is not decisive, that is to saya nucleic acid molecule can be inserted in the first or last position inthe cassette without this having a substantial effect on the expression.However, it is also possible to use only one promoter type in theconstruct. However, this may lead to undesired recombination events orsilencing effects, as said.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid constructaccording to the invention confers expression of the nucleic acidmolecule of the invention, and, optionally further genes, in a plant andcomprises one or more plant regulatory elements. Said nucleic acidconstruct according to the invention advantageously encompasses a plantpromoter or a plant terminator or a plant promoter and a plantterminator.

A “plant” promoter comprises regulatory elements, which mediate theexpression of a coding sequence segment in plant cells. Accordingly, aplant promoter need not be of plant origin, but may originate fromviruses or microorganisms, in particular for example from viruses whichattack plant cells.

The plant promoter can also originate from a plant cell, e.g. from theplant, which is transformed with the nucleic acid construct or vector asdescribed herein. This also applies to other “plant” regulatory signals,for example in “plant” terminators.

A nucleic acid construct suitable for plant expression preferablycomprises regulatory elements which are capable of controlling theexpression of genes in plant cells and which are operably linked so thateach sequence can fulfill its function. Accordingly, the nucleic acidconstruct can also comprise transcription terminators. Examples fortranscriptional termination are polyadenylation signals. Preferredpolyadenylation signals are those which originate from Agrobacteriumtumefaciens T-DNA, such as the gene 3 of the Ti plasmid pTiACH5, whichis known as octopine synthase (Gielen et al., EMBO J. 3 (1984) 835 etseq.) or functional equivalents thereof, but all the other terminatorswhich are functionally active in plants are also suitable.

The nucleic acid construct suitable for plant expression preferably alsocomprises other operably linked regulatory elements such as translationenhancers, for example the overdrive sequence, which comprises thetobacco mosaic virus 5′-untranslated leader sequence, which increasesthe protein/RNA ratio (Gallie et al., 1987, Nucl. Acids Research15:8693-8711).

For expression in plants, the nucleic acid molecule must, as describedabove, be linked operably to or comprise a suitable promotor whichexpresses the gene at the right point in time and in a cell- ortissue-specific manner. Usable promoters are constitutive promoters(Benfey et al., EMBO J. 8 (1989) 2195-2202), such as those whichoriginate from plant viruses, such as 35S CAMV (Franck et al., Cell 21(1980) 285-294), 19S CaMV (see also U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,605 and WO84/02913), 34S FMV (Sanger et al., Plant. Mol. Biol., 14, 1990:433-443), the parsley ubiquitin promoter, or plant promoters such as theRubisco small subunit promoter described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,028 orthe plant promoters PRP1 [Ward et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 22 (1993)],SSU, PGEL1, OCS [Leisner (1988) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 85(5):2553-2557], lib4, usp, mas [Comai (1990) Plant Mol Biol 15 (3):373-381],STLS1, ScBV (Schenk (1999) Plant Mol Biol 39(6):1221-1230), B33, SAD1 orSAD2 (flax promoters, Jain et al., Crop Science, 39 (6), 1999:1696-1701) or nos [Shaw et al. (1984) Nucleic Acids Res.12(20):7831-7846]. Stable, constitutive expression of the proteinsaccording to the invention in a plant can be advantageous.

However, inducible expression of the polypeptide of the invention isadvantageous, if a late expression before the harvest is of advantage,as metabolic manipulation may lead to plant growth retardation.

The expression of plant genes can also be facilitated as described abovevia a chemical inducible promoter (for a review, see Gatz 1997, Annu.Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Biol., 48:89-108). Chemically induciblepromoters are particularly suitable when it is desired to express thegene in a time-specific manner. Examples of such promoters are asalicylic acid inducible promoter (WO 95/19443), and abscisicacid-inducible promoter (EP 335 528), a tetracyclin-inducible promoter(Gatz et al. (1992) Plant J. 2, 397-404), a cyclohexanol- orethanol-inducible promoter (WO 93/21334) or others as described herein.

Other suitable promoters are those which react to biotic or abioticstress conditions, for example the pathogen-induced PRP1 gene promoter(Ward et al., Plant. Mol. Biol. 22 (1993) 361-366), the tomatoheat-inducible hsp80 promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,267), the potatochill-inducible alpha-amylase promoter (WO 96/12814) or thewound-inducible pinII promoter (EP-A-0 375 091) or others as describedherein.

Preferred promoters are in particular those which bring about geneexpression in tissues and organs in which the biosynthesis ofmetabolites takes place, in seed cells, such as endosperm cells andcells of the developing embryo. Suitable promoters are the oilseed rapenapin gene promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,152), the Vicia faba USPpromoter (Baeumlein et al., Mol Gen Genet, 1991, 225 (3): 459-67), theArabidopsis oleosin promoter (WO 98/45461), the Phaseolus vulgarisphaseolin promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,504,200), the Brassica Bce4 promoter(WO 91/13980), the bean arc5 promoter, the carrot DcG3 promoter, or theLegumin B4 promoter (LeB4; Baeumlein et al., 1992, Plant Journal, 2 (2):233-9), and promoters which bring about the seed-specific expression inmonocotyledonous plants such as maize, barley, wheat, rye, rice and thelike. Advantageous seed-specific promoters are the sucrose bindingprotein promoter (WO 00/26388), the phaseolin promoter and the napinpromoter. Suitable promoters which must be considered are the barleyIpt2 or Ipt1 gene promoter (WO 95/15389 and WO 95/23230), and thepromoters described in WO 99/16890 (promoters from the barley hordeingene, the rice glutelin gene, the rice oryzin gene, the rice prolamingene, the wheat gliadin gene, the wheat glutelin gene, the maize zeingene, the oat glutelin gene, the sorghum kasirin gene and the ryesecalin gene). Further suitable promoters are Amy32b, Amy 6-6 andAleurain [U.S. Pat. No. 5,677,474], Bce4 (oilseed rape) [U.S. Pat. No.5,530,149], glycinin (soya) [EP 571 741], phosphoenolpyruvatecarboxylase (soya) [JP 06/62870], ADR12-2 (soya) [WO 98/08962],isocitrate lyase (oilseed rape) [U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,040] or α-amylase(barley) [EP 781 849]. Other promoters which are available for theexpression of genes in plants are leaf-specific promoters such as thosedescribed in DE-A 19644478 or light-regulated promoters such as, forexample, the pea petE promoter.

Further suitable plant promoters are the cytosolic FBPase promoter orthe potato ST-LSI promoter (Stockhaus et al., EMBO J. 8, 1989, 2445),the Glycine max phospho-ribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase promoter(GenBank Accession No. U87999) or the node-specific promoter describedin EP-A 0 249 676.

Other promoters, which are particularly suitable, are those resulting inplastid-specific expression. Suitable promoters such as the viral RNApolymerase promoter are described in WO 95/16783 and WO 97/06250, andthe Arabidopsis cipP promoter, which is described in WO 99/46394.

Other promoters, which are used for the strong expression of nucleicacid sequences in as many tissues as possible, in particular also inleaves, are, in addition to several of the abovementioned viral andbacterial promoters, preferably, plant promoters of actin or ubiquitingenes such as, for example, the rice actin1 promoter. Further examplesof constitutive plant promoters are the sugarbeet V-ATPase promoters (WO01/14572). Examples of synthetic constitutive promoters are the Superpromoter (WO 95/14098) and promoters derived from G-boxes (WO 94/12015).If appropriate, chemical inducible promoters may furthermore also beused, compare EP-A 388 186, EP-A 335 528, WO 97/06268.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a nucleic acidconstruct conferring the expression of the dsRNA molecule, the antisensenucleic acid molecule, the ribozyme, the viral nucleic acid molecule orthe nucleic acid molecule as used in the inventive process, suitable forthe expression in plant.

Preferred recipient plants are, as described above, in particular thoseplants, which can be transformed in a suitable manner. These includemonocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Plants which must bementioned in particular are agriculturally useful plants such as cerealsand grasses, for example Triticum spp., Zea mays, Hordeum vulgare, oats,Secale cereale, Oryza sativa, Pennisetum glaucum, Sorghum bicolor,Triticale, Agrostis spp., Cenchrus ciliaris, Dactylis glomerata, Festucaarundinacea, Lolium spp., Medicago spp. and Saccharum spp., legumes andoil crops, for example Brassica juncea, Brassica napus, Glycine max,Arachis hypogaea, Gossypium hirsutum, Cicer arietinum, Helianthusannuus, Lens culinaris, Linum usitatissimum, Sinapis alba, Trifoliumrepens and Vicia narbonensis, vegetables and fruits, for examplebananas, grapes, Lycopersicon esculentum, asparagus, cabbage,watermelons, kiwi fruit, Solanum tuberosum, Beta vulgaris, cassaya andchicory, trees, for example Coffea species, Citrus spp., Eucalyptusspp., Picea spp., Pinus spp. and Populus spp., medicinal plants andtrees, and flowers.

One embodiment of the present invention also relates to a method forgenerating a vector, which comprises the insertion, into a vector, ofthe nucleic acid molecule characterized herein, the nucleic acidmolecule according to the invention or the expression cassette accordingto the invention. The vector can, for example, be introduced into acell, e.g. a microorganism or a plant cell, as described herein for thenucleic acid construct, or below under transformation or transfection orshown in the examples. A transient or stable transformation of the hostor target cell is possible, however, a stable transformation ispreferred.

The vector according to the invention is preferably a vector, which issuitable for reducing, decreasing or deleting of the polypeptideaccording to the invention in a plant. The method can thus alsoencompass one or more steps for integrating regulatory signals into thevector, in particular signals, which mediate the reduction, decrease ordeletion in a plant.

Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a vector comprisingthe nucleic acid molecule characterized herein as part of a nucleic acidconstruct suitable for plant expression or the nucleic acid moleculeaccording to the invention.

The advantageous vectors of the invention comprise the nucleic acidmolecules which encode proteins according to the invention, nucleic acidmolecules which are used in the process, or nucleic acid constructsuitable for the expression in plants as described above comprising thenucleic acid molecules used, either alone or in combination with furthergenes such as the biosynthesis or regulatory genes of plant metabolismse.g. with the genes mentioned herein above. In accordance with theinvention, the term “vector” refers to a nucleic acid molecule, which iscapable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it is linked. Onetype of vector is a “plasmid”, which means a circular double-strandedDNA loop into which additional DNA segments can be ligated. A furthertype of vector is a viral vector, it being possible to ligate additionalDNA segments into the viral genome. Certain vectors are capable ofautonomous replication in a host cell into which they have beenintroduced (for example bacterial vectors with bacterial replicationorigin). Other preferred vectors are advantageously completely or partlyintegrated into the genome of a host cell when they are introduced intothe host cell and thus replicate together with the host genome.Moreover, certain vectors are capable of controlling the expression ofgenes with which they are in operable linkage. In the present context,these vectors are referred to as “expression vectors”. As mentionedabove, they are capable of autonomous replication or may be integratedpartly or completely into the host genome. Expression vectors, which aresuitable for DNA recombination techniques usually, take the form ofplasmids. In the present description, “plasmid” and “vector” can be usedinterchangeably since the plasmid is the most frequently used form of avector. However, the invention is also intended to encompass these otherforms of expression vectors, such as viral vectors, which exert similarfunctions. The term vector is furthermore also to encompass othervectors which are known to the skilled worker, such as phages, virusessuch as SV40, CMV, TMV, transposons, IS elements, plasmids, phagemids,cosmids, and linear or circular DNA.

The recombinant expression vectors which are advantageously used in theprocess comprise the nucleic acid molecules according to the inventionor the nucleic acid construct according to the invention in a form whichis suitable for repressing the nucleic acid molecules of the inventionand/or in the same time expressing, in a host cell, additional genes,which are accompanied by the nucleic acid molecules according to theinvention or described herein. Accordingly, the recombinant expressionvectors comprise one or more regulatory signals selected on the basis ofthe host cells to be used for the expression, in operable linkage withthe nucleic acid sequence to be expressed.

In a recombinant expression vector, “operable linkage” means that thenucleic acid molecule of interest is linked to the regulatory signals insuch a way that expression of the genes is possible: they are linked toone another in such a way that the two sequences fulfill the predictedfunction assigned to the sequence (for example in an in-vitrotranscription/translation system, or in a host cell if the vector isintroduced into the host cell).

The term “regulatory sequence” is intended to comprise promoters,enhancers and other expression control elements (for examplepolyadenylation signals). These regulatory sequences are described, forexample, in Goeddel: Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990), or see: Gruber andCrosby, in: Methods in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, CRCPress, Boca Raton, Fla., Ed.:. Glick and Thompson, chapter 7, 89-108,including the references cited therein. Regulatory sequences encompassthose, which control the constitutive expression of a nucleotidesequence in many types of host cells and those which control the directexpression of the nucleotide sequence in specific host cells only, andunder specific conditions. The skilled worker knows that the design ofthe expression vector may depend on factors such as the selection of thehost cell to be transformed, the extent to which the desired protein isexpressed, and the like. A preferred selection of regulatory sequencesis described above, for example promoters, terminators, enhancers andthe like. The term regulatory sequence is to be considered as beingencompassed by the term regulatory signal. Several advantageousregulatory sequences, in particular promoters and terminators aredescribed above. In general, the regulatory sequences described asadvantageous for nucleic acid construct suitable for expression are alsoapplicable for vectors.

The recombinant expression vectors used can be designed specifically forthe expression, in prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic cells, of nucleic acidmolecules used in the process. This is advantageous since intermediatesteps of the vector construction are frequently carried out inmicroorganisms for the sake of simplicity. For example, the genesaccording to the invention and other genes can be expressed in bacterialcells, insect cells (using baculovirus expression vectors), yeast cellsand other fungal cells [Romanos (1992), Yeast 8:423-488; van den Hondel,(1991), in: More Gene Manipulations in Fungi, J. W. Bennet & L. L.Lasure, Ed., pp. 396-428: Academic Press: San Diego; and van den Hondel,C. A. M. J. J. (1991), in: Applied Molecular Genetics of Fungi, Peberdy,J. F., et al., Ed., pp. 1-28, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge],algae [Falciatore et al., 1999, Marine Biotechnology. 1, 3:239-251]using vectors and following a transformation method as described in WO98/01572, and preferably in cells of multi-celled plants [see Schmidt,R. and Willmitzer, L. (1988) Plant Cell Rep.: 583-586; Plant MolecularBiology and Biotechnology, C Press, Boca Raton, Fla., chapter 6/7, pp.71-119 (1993); F. F. White, in: Transgenic Plants, Bd. 1, Engineeringand Utilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993), 128-43;Potrykus, Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42 (1991),205-225 (and references cited therein)]. Suitable host cells arefurthermore discussed in Goeddel, Gene Expression Technology: Methods inEnzymology 185, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). As analternative, the sequence of the recombinant expression vector can betranscribed and translated in vitro, for example using T7promotor-regulatory sequences and T7 polymerase.

In most cases, proteins can be expressed in prokaryotes using vectorscomprising constitutive or inducible promoters, which control theexpression of fusion proteins or nonfusion proteins. Typical fusionexpression vectors are, inter alia, pGEX (Pharmacia Biotech Inc; Smith,D. B., and Johnson, K. S. (1988) Gene 67:31-40), pMAL (New EnglandBiolabs, Beverly, Mass.) and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Piscataway, N.J.), inwhich glutathione-S-transferase (GST), maltose-E-binding protein orprotein A is fused with the recombinant target protein. Examples ofsuitable inducible nonfusion E. coli expression vectors are, inter alia,pTrc (Amann et al. (1988) Gene 69:301-315) and pET 11d [Studier et al.,Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology 185, Academic Press,San Diego, Calif. (1990) 60-89]. The target gene expression of the pTrcvector is based on the transcription of a hybrid trp-lac fusion promoterby the host RNA polymerase. The target gene expression from the pET 11dvector is based on the transcription of a T7-gn10-lac fusion promoter,which is mediated by a coexpressed viral RNA polymerase (T7 gn1). Thisviral polymerase is provided by the host strains BL21 (DE3) or HMS174(DE3) by a resident 1-prophage, which harbors a T7 gn1 gene under thetranscriptional control of the lacUV 5 promoter.

Other vectors which are suitable in prokaryotic organisms are known tothe skilled worker; these vectors are for example in E. coli pLG338,pACYC184, the pBR series, such as pBR322, the pUC series such as pUC18or pUC19, the M113 mp series, pKC30, pRep4, pHS1, pHS2, pPLc236, pMBL24,pLG200, pUR290, plN-III¹¹³-B1, Igt11 or pBdCl, in Streptomyces pIJ101,pIJ364, pIJ702 or pIJ361, in Bacillus pUB110, pC194 or pBD214, inCorynebacterium pSA77 or pAJ667.

In a further embodiment, the expression vector is a yeast expressionvector. Examples of vectors for expression in the yeasts S. cerevisiaeencompass pYeDesaturasec1 (Baldari et al. (1987) Embo J. 6:229-234),pMFa (Kurjan and Herskowitz (1982) Cell 30:933-943), pJRY88 (Schultz etal. (1987) Gene 54:113-123) and pYES2 (Invitrogen Corporation, SanDiego, Calif.). Vectors and methods for the construction of vectorswhich are suitable for use in other fungi, such as the filamentousfungi, encompass those which are described in detail in: van den Hondel,C. A. M. J. J. [(1991), J. F. Peberdy, Ed., pp. 1-28, CambridgeUniversity Press: Cambridge; or in: More Gene Manipulations in Fungi; J.W. Bennet & L. L. Lasure, Ed., pp. 396-428: Academic Press: San Diego].Examples of other suitable yeast vectors are 2 μM, pAG1, YEp6, YEp13 orpEMBLYe23.

Further vectors, which may be mentioned by way of example, are pALS1,pIL2 or pBB116 in fungi or pLGV23, pGHIac⁺, pBIN19, pAK2004 or pDH51 inplants.

The abovementioned vectors are only a small overview of potentiallysuitable vectors. Further plasmids are known to the skilled worker andare described, for example, in: Cloning Vectors (Ed. Pouwels, P. H., etal., Elsevier, Amsterdam-New York-Oxford, 1985, ISBN 0 444 904018).Further suitable expression systems for prokaryotic and eukaryoticcells, see the chapters 16 and 17 by Sambrook, J., Fritsch, E. F., andManiatis, T., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Edition, ColdSpring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, ColdSpring Harbor, N.Y., 1989.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention relates to a vectorcomprising the nucleic acid molecule according to the invention or anucleic acid construct of the invention. Said vector is useful for thereduction, decrease or deletion of the polypeptide according to theinvention in an organism preferably a plant. Advantageously the nucleicacid molecule of the invention is in an operable linkage with regulatorysequences for the expression in a prokaryotic or eukaryotic, or in aprokaryotic and eukaryotic host. Furthermore vectors suitable forhomologous recombination are also within the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, one embodiment of the invention relates to a host cell,which has been transformed stably or transiently with the vectoraccording to the invention or the nucleic acid molecule according to theinvention or the nucleic acid construct according to the invention. Saidhost cell is preferably a plant cell.

The skilled worker knows that protein and DNA expressed in differentorganisms differ in many respects and properties, e.g. methylation,degradation and post-translational modification as for exampleglucosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, myristoylation,ADP-ribosylation, farnesylation, carboxylation, sulfation, ubiquination,etc. though having the same coding sequence. Preferably, the cellularexpression control of the corresponding protein differs accordingly inthe control mechanisms controlling the activity and expression of anendogenous protein or another eukaryotic protein.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide havingthe biological activity represented by the protein of the invention. Inone embodiment, said polypeptide having the biological activityrepresented by the protein of the invention distinguishes over thesequence depicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ IDNO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26,SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ IDNO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64,SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ IDNO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108,SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ IDNO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126,SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ IDNO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144,SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ IDNO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162,SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ IDNO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180,SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ IDNO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198,SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ IDNO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216,SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ IDNO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234,SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ IDNO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ IDNO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286or SEQ ID NO: 288 by one or more amino acids. In another embodiment,said polypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shownin SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ IDNO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38,SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ IDNO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76,SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO:86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO:120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO:138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO:156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO:174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO:192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO:210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO:228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO:246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO:280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288.In a further embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention isless than 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2,SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12,SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ IDNO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50,SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ IDNO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104,SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ IDNO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122,SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ IDNO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140,SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ IDNO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158,SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ IDNO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176,SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ IDNO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194,SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ IDNO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212,SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ IDNO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230,SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ IDNO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248,SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ IDNO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282,SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a polypeptide havingthe amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleic acid molecule of theinvention or obtainable by a process of the invention. Said polypeptideconfers preferably the aforementioned activity, in particular, thepolypeptide confers the increase of plant growth in a cell, tissue or aplant or a part thereof after decreasing the cellular activity, e.g. bydecreasing the expression or the specific activity of the polypeptide.In one embodiment, said polypeptide distinguishes over the sequencedepicted in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18,SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ IDNO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56,SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ IDNO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO:110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO:128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO:146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO:164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO:182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO:200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO:218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO:236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO:270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO:288 by one or more amino acids. Preferably, the sequence of thepolypeptide of the invention distinguishes from the sequence shown inSEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10,SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ IDNO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48,SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ IDNO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86,SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ IDNO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120,SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ IDNO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138,SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ IDNO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156,SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ IDNO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174,SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ IDNO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192,SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ IDNO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210,SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ IDNO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228,SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ IDNO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246,SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ IDNO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280,SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 by notmore than 80% or 70% of the amino acids, preferably not more than 60% or50%, more preferred not more than 40% or 30%, even more preferred notmore than 20% or 10%. In one embodiment, polypeptide distinguishes formthe sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ IDNO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26,SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ IDNO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64,SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ IDNO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108,SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ IDNO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126,SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ IDNO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144,SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ IDNO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162,SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ IDNO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180,SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ IDNO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198,SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ IDNO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216,SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ IDNO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234,SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ IDNO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252,SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ IDNO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286or SEQ ID NO: 288 by more than 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 amino acids, preferablyby more than 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids, even more preferred aremore than 40, 50, or 60 amino acids. In another embodiment, saidpolypeptide of the invention does not consist of the sequence shown inSEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10,SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ IDNO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48,SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ IDNO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86,SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ IDNO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120,SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ IDNO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138,SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ IDNO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156,SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ IDNO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174,SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ IDNO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192,SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ IDNO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210,SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ IDNO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228,SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ IDNO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246,SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ IDNO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280,SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288. In afurther embodiment, said polypeptide of the present invention is lessthan 100%, 99.999%, 99.99%, 99.9% or 99% identical.

The terms “protein” and “polypeptide” used in this application areinterchangeable. “Polypeptide” refers to a polymer of amino acids (aminoacid sequence) and does not refer to a specific length of the molecule.Thus peptides and oligopeptides are included within the definition ofpolypeptide. This term does also refer to or include posttranslationalmodifications of the polypeptide, for example, glycosylations,acetylations, phosphorylations and the like. Included within thedefinition are, for example, polypeptides containing one or more analogsof an amino acid (including, for example, unnatural amino acids, etc.),polypeptides with substituted linkages, as well as other modificationsknown in the art, both naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring.

Preferably, the polypeptide is isolated. An “isolated” or “purified”protein or nucleic acid molecule or biologically active portion thereofis substantially free of cellular material when produced by recombinantDNA techniques, or chemical precursors or other chemicals whenchemically synthesized.

A polypeptide of the invention can participate in the process of thepresent invention. The polypeptide or a portion thereof comprisespreferably an amino acid sequence which is sufficiently homologous to anamino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6,SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ IDNO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44,SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ IDNO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82,SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO:126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO:144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO:162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO:180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 1.94, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO:198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO:216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO:234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO:252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO:286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 such that the protein or portion thereof maintainsthe ability to confer the activity of the present invention, that meansan increase in plant growth by decreasing its biological activity.Preferably, the polypeptide used in the inventive process has an aminoacid sequence identical as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ IDNO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ IDNO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34,SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ IDNO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72,SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO:82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ IDNO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116,SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ IDNO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134,SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ IDNO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152,SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ IDNO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170,SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ IDNO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188,SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ IDNO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206,SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ IDNO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224,SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ IDNO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242,SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ IDNO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276,SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ IDNO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288.

Further, the polypeptide can have an amino acid sequence which isencoded by a nucleotide sequence which hybridizes, preferably hybridizesunder stringent conditions as described above, to a nucleotide sequenceof the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention. Accordingly, thepolypeptide has an amino acid sequence which is encoded by a nucleotidesequence that is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%, and more preferablyat least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and even more preferably atleast about 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to one of the nucleicacid sequences acids SEQ ID 1, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 7,SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ IDNO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO: 43, SEQ ID NO: 45,SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO: 61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ IDNO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83,SEQ ID NO: 85, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ IDNO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 115, SEQ ID NO: 117,SEQ ID NO: 119, SEQ ID NO: 121, SEQ ID NO: 123, SEQ ID NO: 125, SEQ IDNO: 127, SEQ ID NO: 129, SEQ ID NO: 131, SEQ ID NO: 133, SEQ ID NO: 135,SEQ ID NO: 137, SEQ ID NO: 139, SEQ ID NO: 141, SEQ ID NO: 143, SEQ IDNO: 145, SEQ ID NO: 147, SEQ ID NO: 149, SEQ ID NO: 151, SEQ ID NO: 153,SEQ ID NO: 155, SEQ ID NO: 157, SEQ ID NO: 159, SEQ ID NO: 161, SEQ IDNO: 163, SEQ ID NO: 165, SEQ ID NO: 167, SEQ ID NO: 169, SEQ ID NO: 171,SEQ ID NO: 173, SEQ ID NO: 175, SEQ ID NO: 177, SEQ ID NO: 179, SEQ IDNO: 181, SEQ ID NO: 183, SEQ ID NO: 185, SEQ ID NO: 187, SEQ ID NO: 189,SEQ ID NO: 191, SEQ ID NO: 193, SEQ ID NO: 195, SEQ ID NO: 197, SEQ IDNO: 199, SEQ ID NO: 201, SEQ ID NO: 203, SEQ ID NO: 205, SEQ ID NO: 207,SEQ ID NO: 209, SEQ ID NO: 211, SEQ ID NO: 213, SEQ ID NO: 215, SEQ IDNO: 217, SEQ ID NO: 219, SEQ ID NO: 221, SEQ ID NO: 223, SEQ ID NO: 225,SEQ ID NO: 227, SEQ ID NO: 229, SEQ ID NO: 231, SEQ ID NO: 233, SEQ IDNO: 235, SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, SEQ ID NO: 241, SEQ ID NO: 243,SEQ ID NO: 245, SEQ ID NO: 247, SEQ ID NO: 249, SEQ ID NO: 251, SEQ IDNO: 269, SEQ ID NO: 271, SEQ ID NO: 273, SEQ ID NO: 275, SEQ ID NO: 277,SEQ ID NO: 279, SEQ ID NO: 281, SEQ ID NO: 283, SEQ ID NO: 285 or SEQ IDNO: 287. The preferred polypeptide of the present invention preferablypossesses at least one of the activities according to the invention anddescribed herein. A preferred polypeptide of the present inventionincludes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleotide sequence whichhybridizes, preferably hybridizes under stringent conditions, to anucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113 or which ishomologous thereto, as defined above.

Accordingly the polypeptide of the present invention can vary from SEQID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20,SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ IDNO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58,SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ IDNO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO:112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO:130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO:148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO:166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO:184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO:202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO:220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO:238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO:272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 in aminoacid sequence due to natural variation or mutagenesis, as described indetail herein. Accordingly, the polypeptide comprise an amino acidsequence which is at least about 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or70%, preferably at least about 75%, 80%, 85% or 90, and more preferablyat least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% or 95%, and most preferably at leastabout 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more homologous to an entire amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18,SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ IDNO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56,SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ IDNO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO:110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO:128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO:146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO:164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO:182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO:200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO:218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO:236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO:270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO:288.

For the comparison of amino acid sequences the same algorithms asdescribed above or nucleic acid sequences can be used. Results of highquality are reached by using the algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch orSmith and Waterman. Therefore programs based on said algorithms arepreferred. Advantageously the comparisons of sequences can be done withthe program PileUp (J. Mol. Evolution, 25, 351-360, 1987, Higgins etal., CABIOS, 5 1989: 151-153) or preferably with the programs Gap andBestFit, which are respectively based on the algorithms of Needleman andWunsch [J. Mol. Biol. 48; 443-453 (1970)] and Smith and Waterman [Adv.Appl. Math. 2; 482-489 (1981)]. Both programs are part of the GCGsoftware-package [Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive, Madison,Wis., USA 53711 (1991); Altschul et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids Res.25:3389 et seq.]. Therefore preferably the calculations to determine thepercentages of sequence homology are done with the program Gap over thewhole range of the sequences. The following standard adjustments for thecomparison of amino acid sequences were used: gap weight: 8, lengthweight: 2, average match: 2.912, average mismatch: −2.003.

Biologically active portions of an polypeptide of the present inventioninclude peptides comprising amino acid sequences derived from the aminoacid sequence of the polypeptide of the present invention, e.g., theamino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6,SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ IDNO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44,SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ IDNO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82,SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO:108, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO: 116, SEQID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQ ID NO:126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO: 134, SEQID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQ ID NO:144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO: 152, SEQID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQ ID NO:162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO: 170, SEQID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQ ID NO:180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO: 188, SEQID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQ ID NO:198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO: 206, SEQID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQ ID NO:216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO: 224, SEQID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQ ID NO:234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO: 242, SEQID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQ ID NO:252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO: 276, SEQID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQ ID NO:286 or SEQ ID NO: 288 or the amino acid sequence of a protein homologousthereto, which include fewer amino acids than a full length proteinhaving the biological activity of the protein of the invention or thepolypeptide of the present invention or the full length protein which ishomologous to a protein having the biological activity of the protein ofthe invention or the polypeptide of the present invention depictedherein, and exhibit at least one activity of the polypeptide of thepresent invention, which leads to an increase in yield after reductionof its expression or activity. Typically, biologically (orimmunologically) active portions i.e. peptides, e.g., peptides whichare, for example, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 50, 100 ormore amino acids in length comprise a domain or motif with at least oneactivity or epitope of a or of the polypeptide of the present invention.Moreover, other biologically active portions, in which other regions ofthe polypeptide are deleted, can be prepared by recombinant techniquesand evaluated for one or more of the activities described herein.

Any mutagenesis strategies for the polypeptide of the present invention,which result in a decreasing biological activity disclosed herein arenot meant to be limiting; variations on these strategies will be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art. Using such strategies, andincorporating the mechanisms disclosed herein, the nucleic acid moleculeand polypeptide of the invention may be utilized to generate plants orparts thereof, expressing mutated nucleic acid molecule and/orpolypeptide molecules of the invention such that the yield, production,and/or efficiency of production of a desired compound such as the finechemical is improved. This desired compound may be any natural productof plants, which includes the final products of biosynthesis pathwaysand intermediates of naturally-occurring metabolic pathways, as well asmolecules which do not naturally occur in the metabolism of said cells,but which are produced by a said cells of the invention.

Furthermore, folding simulations and computer redesign of structuralmotifs of the protein of the invention can be performed usingappropriate computer programs (Olszewski, Proteins 25 (1996), 286-299;Hoffman, Comput. Appl. Biosci. 11 (1995), 675-679). Computer modeling ofprotein folding can be used for the conformational and energeticanalysis of detailed peptide and protein models (Monge, J. Mol. Biol.247 (1995), 995-1012; Renouf, Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 376 (1995), 37-45).The appropriate programs can be used for the identification ofinteractive sites of the polypeptide of the invention and its substratesor binding factors or other interacting proteins by computer assistantsearches for complementary peptide sequences (Fassina, Immunomethods(1994), 114-120). Further appropriate computer systems for the design ofprotein and peptides are described in the prior art, for example inBerry, Biochem. Soc. Trans. 22 (1994), 1033-1036; Wodak, Ann. N.Y. Acad.Sci. 501 (1987), 1-13; Pabo, Biochemistry 25 (1986), 5987-5991. Theresults obtained from the above-described computer analysis can be usedfor, e.g., the preparation of peptidomimetics of the protein of theinvention or fragments thereof. Such pseudopeptide analogues of thenatural amino acid sequence of the protein may very efficiently mimicthe parent protein (Benkirane, J. Biol. Chem. 271 (1996), 33218-33224).For example, incorporation of easily available achiral Q-amino acidresidues into a protein of the invention or a fragment thereof resultsin the substitution of amide bonds by polymethylene units of analiphatic chain, thereby providing a convenient strategy forconstructing a peptidomimetic (Banerjee, Biopolymers 39 (1996),769-777).

Superactive peptidomimetic analogues of small peptide hormones in othersystems are described in the prior art (Zhang, Biochem. Biophys. Res.Commun. 224 (1996), 327-331). Appropriate peptidomimetics of the proteinof the present invention can also be identified by the synthesis ofpeptidomimetic combinatorial libraries through successive amidealkylation and testing the resulting compounds, e.g., for their bindingand immunological properties. Methods for the generation and use ofpeptidomimetic combinatorial libraries are described in the prior art,for example in Ostresh, Methods in Enzymology 267 (1996), 220-234 andDomer, Bioorg. Med. Chem. 4 (1996), 709-715.

Furthermore, a three-dimensional and/or crystallographic structure ofthe protein of the invention can be used for the design ofpeptidomimetic inhibitors of the biological activity of the protein ofthe invention (Rose, Biochemistry 35 (1996), 12933-12944; Rutenber,Bioorg. Med. Chem. 4 (1996), 1545-1558).

Furthermore, a three-dimensional and/or crystallographic structure ofthe protein of the invention and the identification of interactive sitesthe polypeptide of the invention and its substrates or binding factorscan be used for design of mutants with modulated binding or turn overactivities. For example, the active center of the polypeptide of thepresent invention can be modelled and amino acid residues participatingin the catalytic reaction can be modulated to increase or decrease thebinding of the substrate to inactivate the polypeptide. Theidentification of the active center and the amino acids involved in thecatalytic reaction facilitates the screening for mutants having anincreased activity.

The sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 has been described under itsAccession Number At5g64410 or NP_(—)201246 as a protein of the OPToligopeptide transporter protein family. Homologues of this protein aredepicted in SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20,SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ IDNO: 40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 58,SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ IDNO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 82, SEQ ID NO: 84, SEQ ID NO: 86, SEQID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 110 or SEQ ID NO:112. The proteins contain a protein domain which is identical or similarto the SEQ ID NO: 87, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO: 90 or SEQID NO: 91 domain.

The sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 114 has been described under itsAccession Number At5g02270 as a protein of the ABC transporter family.Homologues of this pro tein are depicted in SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO:116, SEQ ID NO: 118, SEQ ID NO: 120, SEQ ID NO: 122, SEQ ID NO: 124, SEQID NO: 126, SEQ ID NO: 128, SEQ ID NO: 130, SEQ ID NO: 132, SEQ ID NO:134, SEQ ID NO: 136, SEQ ID NO: 138, SEQ ID NO: 140, SEQ ID NO: 142, SEQID NO: 144, SEQ ID NO: 146, SEQ ID NO: 148, SEQ ID NO: 150, SEQ ID NO:152, SEQ ID NO: 154, SEQ ID NO: 156, SEQ ID NO: 158, SEQ ID NO: 160, SEQID NO: 162, SEQ ID NO: 164, SEQ ID NO: 166, SEQ ID NO: 168, SEQ ID NO:170, SEQ ID NO: 172, SEQ ID NO: 174, SEQ ID NO: 176, SEQ ID NO: 178, SEQID NO: 180, SEQ ID NO: 182, SEQ ID NO: 184, SEQ ID NO: 186, SEQ ID NO:188, SEQ ID NO: 190, SEQ ID NO: 192, SEQ ID NO: 194, SEQ ID NO: 196, SEQID NO: 198, SEQ ID NO: 200, SEQ ID NO: 202, SEQ ID NO: 204, SEQ ID NO:206, SEQ ID NO: 208, SEQ ID NO: 210, SEQ ID NO: 212, SEQ ID NO: 214, SEQID NO: 216, SEQ ID NO: 218, SEQ ID NO: 220, SEQ ID NO: 222, SEQ ID NO:224, SEQ ID NO: 226, SEQ ID NO: 228, SEQ ID NO: 230, SEQ ID NO: 232, SEQID NO: 234, SEQ ID NO: 236, SEQ ID NO: 238, SEQ ID NO: 240, SEQ ID NO:242, SEQ ID NO: 244, SEQ ID NO: 246, SEQ ID NO: 248, SEQ ID NO: 250, SEQID NO: 252, SEQ ID NO: 270, SEQ ID NO: 272, SEQ ID NO: 274, SEQ ID NO:276, SEQ ID NO: 278, SEQ ID NO: 280, SEQ ID NO: 282, SEQ ID NO: 284, SEQID NO: 286 or SEQ ID NO: 288. The proteins contain a protein domainwhich is identical or similar to the SEQ ID NO: 265, SEQ ID NO: 266, SEQID NO:267 or SEQ ID NO: 268 domain.

One embodiment of the invention also relates to an antibody, which bindsspecifically to the polypeptide according to the invention or parts,i.e. specific fragments or epitopes of such a protein.

The antibodies of the invention can be used to identify and isolate thepolypeptide according to the invention and encoding genes in anyorganism, preferably plants, pre-pared in plants described herein. Suchantibodies can also be expressed in the suitable host organisms therebyreducing the biological activity of the genes of the invention bybinding to their protein products leading for example to a stericinterference with their biological activity. These antibodies can bemonoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies or synthetic antibodies aswell as fragments of antibodies, such as Fab, Fv or scFv fragments etc.Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared, for example, by the techniques asoriginally described in Köhler and Milstein, Nature 256 (1975), 495, andGalfr6, Meth. Enzymol. 73 (1981), 3, which comprise the fusion of mousemyeloma cells to spleen cells derived from immunized mammals.

Furthermore, antibodies or fragments thereof to the aforementionedpeptides can be obtained by using methods, which are described, e.g., inHarlow and Lane “Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual”, CSH Press, ColdSpring Harbor, 1988. These antibodies can be used, for example, for theimmunoprecipitation and immunolocalization of proteins according to theinvention as well as for the monitoring of the synthesis of suchproteins, for example, in recombinant organisms, and for theidentification of compounds interacting with the protein according tothe invention. For example, surface plasmon resonance as employed in theBIAcore system can be used to increase the efficiency of phageantibodies selections, yielding a high increment of affinity from asingle library of phage antibodies, which bind to an epitope of theprotein of the invention (Schier, Human Antibodies Hybridomas 7 (1996),97-105; Malmborg, J. Immunol. Methods 183 (1995), 7-13). In many cases,the binding phenomena of antibodies to antigens is equivalent to otherligand/anti-ligand binding.

A further embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for thegeneration of a transgenic host cell, e.g. a eukaryotic or prokaryotichost or host cell, preferably a transgenic microorganism, a transgenicplant cell or a transgenic plant tissue or a transgenic plant, whichcomprises introducing, into the plant, the plant cell or the planttissue, the nucleic acid construct according to the invention, thevector according to the invention, or the nucleic acid moleculeaccording to the invention.

A further embodiment of the invention also relates to a method for thetransient generation of a host or host cell, eukaryotic or prokaryoticcell, preferably a transgenic plant cell or a transgenic plant tissue ora transgenic plant, which comprises introducing, into the plant, theplant cell or the plant tissue, the nucleic acid construct according tothe invention, the vector according to the invention, the nucleic acidmolecule characterized herein as being contained in the nucleic acidconstruct of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule according to theinvention, whereby the introduced nucleic acid molecules, nucleic acidconstruct and/or vector is not integrated into the genome of the host orhost cell. Therefore the transformants are not stable during thepropagation of the host in respect of the introduced nucleic acidmolecules, nucleic acid construct and/or vector.

In the process according to the invention, transgenic organisms are alsoto be understood as meaning—if they take the form of plants—plant cells,plant tissues, plant organs such as root, shoot, stem, seed, flower,tuber or leaf, or intact plants.

Growing is to be understood as meaning for example culturing thetransgenic plant cells, plant tissue or plant organs on or in a nutrientmedium or the intact plant on or in a substrate, for example inhydroponic culture, potting compost or on a field soil.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the process, the nucleic acidmolecules can be expressed in single-celled plant cells (such as algae),see Falciatore et al., 1999, Marine Biotechnology 1 (3): 239-251 andreferences cited therein, and plant cells from higher plants (forexample spermatophytes such as crops). Examples of plant expressionvectors encompass those which are described in detail herein or in:Becker, D. [(1992) Plant Mol. Biol. 20:1195-1197] and Bevan, M. W.[(1984), Nucl. Acids Res. 12:8711-8721; Vectors for Gene Transfer inHigher Plants; in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering andUtilization, Ed.: Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, pp. 15-38]. Anoverview of binary vectors and their use is also found in Hellens, R.[(2000), Trends in Plant Science, Vol. 5 No. 10, 446-451.

Vector DNA can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells viaconventional transformation or transfection techniques. The terms“transformation” and “transfection” include conjugation and transductionand, as used in the present context, are intended to encompass amultiplicity of prior-art methods for introducing foreign nucleic acidmolecules (for example DNA) into a host cell, including calciumphosphate coprecipitation or calcium chloride coprecipitation,DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, PEG-mediated transfection,lipofection, natural competence, chemically mediated transfer,electroporation or particle bombardment. Suitable methods for thetransformation or transfection of host cells, including plant cells, canbe found in Sambrook et al. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual.,2^(nd) Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryPress, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989) and in other laboratory handbookssuch as Methods in Molecular Biology, 1995, Vol. 44, Agrobacteriumprotocols, Ed.: Gartland and Davey, Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.

The above-described methods for the transformation and regeneration ofplants from plant tissues or plant cells are exploited for transient orstable transformation of plants. Suitable methods are the transformationof protoplasts by polyethylene-glycol-induced DNA uptake, the biolisticmethod with the gene gun—known as the particle bombardment method—,electroporation, the incubation of dry embryos in DNA-containingsolution, microinjection and the Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer.The abovementioned methods are described for example in B. Jenes,Techniques for Gene Transfer, in: Transgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineeringand Utilization, edited by S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press (1993)128-143 and in Potrykus Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Molec. Biol. 42(1991) 205-225. The construct to be expressed is preferably cloned intoa vector, which is suitable for transforming Agrobacterium tumefaciens,for example pBin19 (Bevan, Nucl. Acids Res. 12 (1984) 8711).Agrobacteria transformed with such a vector can then be used in theknown manner for the transformation of plants, in particular cropplants, such as, for example, tobacco plants, for example by bathingscarified leaves or leaf segments in an agrobacterial solution andsubsequently culturing them in suitable media. The transformation ofplants with Agrobacterium tumefaciens is described for example by Höfgenand Willmitzer in Nucl. Acid Res. (1988) 16, 9877 or known from, interalia, F. F. White, Vectors for Gene Transfer in Higher Plants; inTransgenic Plants, Vol. 1, Engineering and Utilization, edited by S. D.Kung and R. Wu, Academic Press, 1993, pp. 15-38.

To select for the successful transfer of the nucleic acid molecule,vector or nucleic acid construct of the invention according to theinvention into a host organism, it is advantageous to use marker genesas have already been described above in detail. It is known of thestable or transient integration of nucleic acids into plant cells thatonly a minority of the cells takes up the foreign DNA and, if desired,integrates it into its genome, depending on the expression vector usedand the transfection technique used. To identify and select theseintegrants, a gene encoding for a selectable marker (as described above,for example resistance to antibiotics) is usually introduced into thehost cells together with the gene of interest. Preferred selectablemarkers in plants comprise those, which confer resistance to anherbicide such as glyphosate or gluphosinate. Other suitable markersare, for example, markers, which encode genes involved in biosyntheticpathways of, for example, sugars or amino acids, such asβ-galactosidase, ura3 or ilv2. Markers, which encode genes such asluciferase, gfp or other fluorescence genes, are likewise suitable.These markers and the aforementioned markers can be used in mutants inwhom these genes are not functional since, for example, they have beendeleted by conventional methods. Furthermore, nucleic acid molecules,which encode a selectable marker, can be introduced into a host cell onthe same vector as those, which encode the polypeptides of the inventionor used in the process or else in a separate vector. Cells which havebeen transfected stably with the nucleic acid introduced can beidentified for example by selection (for example, cells which haveintegrated the selectable marker survive whereas the other cells die).

Since the marker genes, as a rule specifically the gene for resistanceto antibiotics and herbicides, are no longer required or are undesiredin the transgenic host cell once the nucleic acids have been introducedsuccessfully, the process according to the invention for introducing thenucleic acids advantageously employs techniques which enable theremoval, or excision, of these marker genes. One such a method is whatis known as cotransformation. The cotransformation method employs twovectors simultaneously for the transformation, one vector bearing thenucleic acid according to the invention and a second bearing the markergene(s). A large proportion of transformants receives or, in the case ofplants, comprises (up to 40% of the transformants and above), bothvectors. The marker genes can subsequently be removed from thetransformed plant by performing crosses. In another method, marker genesintegrated into a transposon are used for the transformation togetherwith desired nucleic acid (known as the Ac/Ds technology). In some cases(approx. 10%), the transposon jumps out of the genome of the host cellonce transformation has taken place successfully and is lost. In afurther number of cases, the transposon jumps to a different location.In these cases, the marker gene must be eliminated by performingcrosses. In microbiology, techniques were developed which make possible,or facilitate, the detection of such events. A further advantageousmethod relies on what are known as recombination systems, whoseadvantage is that elimination by crossing can be dispensed with. Thebest-known system of this type is what is known as the Cre/lox system.Cre1 is a recombinase, which removes the sequences located between theloxP sequence. If the marker gene is integrated between the loxPsequence, it is removed, once transformation has taken placesuccessfully, by expression of the recombinase. Further recombinationsystems are the HIN/HIX, FLP/FRT and REP/STB system (Tribble et al., J.Biol. Chem., 275, 2000: 22255-22267; Velmurugan et al., J. Cell Biol.,149, 2000: 553-566). A site-specific integration into the plant genomeof the nucleic acid sequences according to the invention is possible.Naturally, these methods can also be applied to microorganisms such asyeast, fungi or bacteria.

Agrobacteria transformed with an expression vector according to theinvention may also be used in the manner known per se for thetransformation of plants such as experimental plants like Arabidopsis orcrop plants, such as, for example, cereals, maize, oats, rye, barley,wheat, soya, rice, cotton, sugarbeet, canola, sunflower, flax, hemp,potato, tobacco, tomato, carrot, bell peppers, oilseed rape, tapioca,cassaya, arrow root, tagetes, alfalfa, lettuce and the various tree,nut, and grapevine species, in particular oil-containing crop plantssuch as soya, peanut, castor-oil plant, sunflower, maize, cotton, flax,oilseed rape, coconut, oil palm, safflower (Carthamus tinctorius) orcocoa beans, for example by bathing scarified leaves or leaf segments inan agrobacterial solution and subsequently growing them in suitablemedia.

In addition to the transformation of somatic cells, which then has to beregenerated into intact plants, it is also possible to transform thecells of plant meristems and in particular those cells which developinto gametes. In this case, the transformed gametes follow the naturalplant development, giving rise to transgenic plants. Thus, for example,seeds of Arabidopsis are treated with agrobacteria and seeds areobtained from the developing plants of which a certain proportion istransformed and thus transgenic (Feldman, K A and Marks M D (1987). MolGen Genet 208:274-289; Feldmann K (1992). In: C Koncz, N-H Chua and JShell, eds, Methods in Arabidopsis Research. Word Scientific, Singapore,pp. 274-289). Alternative methods are based on the repeated removal ofthe influorescences and incubation of the excision site in the center ofthe rosette with transformed agrobacteria, whereby transformed seeds canlikewise be obtained at a later point in time (Chang (1994). Plant J. 5:551-558; Katavic (1994). Mol Gen Genet, 245: 363-370). However, anespecially effective method is the vacuum infiltration method with itsmodifications such as the “floral dip” method. In the case of vacuuminfiltration of Arabidopsis, intact plants under reduced pressure aretreated with an agrobacterial suspension (Bechthold, N (1993). C R AcadSci Paris Life Sci, 316: 1194-1199), while in the case of the “floraldip” method the developing floral tissue is incubated briefly with asurfactant-treated agrobacterial suspension (Clough, S J und Bent, A F(1998). The Plant J. 16, 735-743). A certain proportion of transgenicseeds are harvested in both cases, and these seeds can be distinguishedfrom nontransgenic seeds by growing under the above-described selectiveconditions.

The genetically modified plant cells can be regenerated via all methodswith which the skilled worker is familiar. Suitable methods can be foundin the abovementioned publications by S. D. Kung and R. Wu, Potrykus orHöfgen and Willmitzer.

Accordingly, the present invention thus also relates to a plant cellcomprising the nucleic acid construct according to the invention, thenucleic acid molecule according to the invention or the vector accordingto the invention.

Accordingly the present invention relates to any cell transgenic for anynucleic acid characterized as part of the invention, e.g. conferring theincrease in plant growth in a cell or an organism or a part thereof,e.g. the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, the nucleic acidconstruct of the invention, the antisense molecule of the invention, thevector of the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding thepolypeptide of the invention, e.g. encoding a polypeptide havingbiological activity of the protein of the invention. Due to theabovementioned activity the growth in a plant cell or a plant isincreased. For example, due to modulation or manipulation, the cellularactivity is increased, e.g. due to a decreased expression or decreasedspecific activity of the subject matters of the invention in a plantcell or a plant or a plant part thereof.

A naturally occurring expression cassette—for example the naturallyoccurring combination of the promoter of the protein of the inventionwith the corresponding gene, which codes for the protein of theinvention—becomes a transgenic expression cassette when it is modifiedby non-natural, synthetic “artificial” methods such as, for example,mutagenization. Such methods have been described (U.S. Pat. No.5,565,350; WO 00/15815; also see above).

Further, the plant cell, plant tissue or plant can also be transformedsuch that further enzymes and proteins are (over)expressed whichexpression supports an increase in plant growth. Similarly the plantcell, plant tissue or plant can also be transformed such that furtherenzymes, transporters or other proteins are inhibited in its expressionor activity leading to a further increase in plant growth

The term “transgenic plants” used in accordance with the inventionrefers to the progeny of a transgenic plant, for example the T₁, T₂, T₃and subsequent plant generations or the BC₁, BC₂, BC₃ and subsequentplant generations. Thus, the transgenic plants according to theinvention can be raised and selfed or crossed with other individuals inorder to obtain further transgenic plants according to the invention.Transgenic plants may also be obtained by propagating transgenic plantcells vegetatively. The present invention also relates to transgenicplant material, which can be derived from a transgenic plant populationaccording to the invention. Such material includes plant cells andcertain tissues, organs and parts of plants in all their manifestations,such as seeds, leaves, anthers, fibers, tubers, roots, root hairs,stems, embryo, calli, cotelydons, petioles, harvested material, planttissue, reproductive tissue and cell cultures, which are derived fromthe actual transgenic plant and/or can be used for bringing about thetransgenic plant.

Any transformed plant obtained according to the invention can be used ina conventional breeding scheme or in in vitro plant propagation toproduce more transformed plants with the same characteristics and/or canbe used to introduce the same characteristic in other varieties of thesame or related species. Such plants are also part of the invention.Seeds obtained from the transformed plants genetically also contain thesame characteristic and are part of the invention. As mentioned before,the present invention is in principle applicable to any plant and cropthat can be transformed with any of the transformation method known tothose skilled in the art.

In an especially preferred embodiment, the host cell, plant cell, plantor plant tissue according to the invention is transgenic.

Accordingly, the invention therefore relates to transgenic plantstransformed with at least one nucleic acid molecule, nucleic acidconstruct or vector according to the invention, and to plant cells,plant cell cultures, plant tissues, plant parts—such as, for exampleleaves, roots and the like—or propagation material derived from suchplants. The terms “recombinant (host)” and “transgenic (host)” are usedinterchangeably in this context. Naturally, these terms refer not onlyto the host organism or target cell in question, but also to theprogeny, or potential progeny, of these plants or plant cells. Sincecertain modifications may occur in subsequent generations owing tomutation or environmental effects, such progeny is not necessarilyidentical with the parental cell, but still comes within the scope ofthe term as used herein.

Suitable plants for the process according to the invention or as hostsare e.g. crop plants. The plants used as hosts are plants, such asdicotyledonous or monocotyledonous plants.

In principle all plants can be used as host organism, especially theplants mentioned above as source organism. Preferred transgenic plantsare, for example, selected from the families Aceraceae, Anacardiaceae,Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cactaceae, Cucurbitaceae,Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Papaveraceae,Rosaceae, Salicaceae, Solanaceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, Cyperaceae,Iridaceae, Liliaceae, Orchidaceae, Gentianaceae, Labiaceae,Magnoliaceae, Ranunculaceae, Carifolaceae, Rubiaceae, Scrophulariaceae,Caryophyllaceae, Ericaceae, Polygonaceae, Violaceae, Juncaceae orPoaceae and preferably from a plant selected from the group of thefamilies Apiaceae, Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae,Papaveraceae, Rosaceae, Solanaceae, Liliaceae or Poaceae. Preferred arecrop plants such as plants advantageously selected from the group of thegenus peanut, oilseed rape, canola, sunflower, safflower, olive, sesame,hazelnut, almond, avocado, bay, pumpkin/squash, linseed, soya,pistachio, borage, maize, wheat, rye, oats, sorghum and millet,triticale, rice, barley, cassaya, potato, sugarbeet, egg plant, alfalfa,and perennial grasses and forage plants, oil palm, vegetables(brassicas, root vegetables, tuber vegetables, pod vegetables, fruitingvegetables, onion vegetables, leafy vegetables and stem vegetables),buckwheat, Jerusalem artichoke, broad bean, vetches, lentil, dwarf bean,lupin, clover and Luceme for mentioning only some of them.

Preferred plant cells, plant organs, plant tissues or parts of plantsoriginate from the under source organism mentioned plant families,preferably from the abovementioned plant genus, more preferred fromabovementioned plants species.

Transgenic plants produced in the process according to the invention canbe marketed directly. In the process according to the invention, plantsare understood as meaning all plant parts, plant organs such as leaves,stalk, root, tubers or seeds or propagation material or harvestedmaterial or the intact plant. In this context, the seed encompasses allparts of the seed such as the seed coats, epidermal cells, seed cells,endosperm or embryonic tissue.

In yet another aspect, the invention also relates to harvestable partsand to propagation material of the transgenic plants according to theinvention which either contain transgenic plant cells expressing anucleic acid molecule according to the invention or which contains cellswhich show an reduced, decreased or deleted cellular activity of thepolypeptide of the invention, e.g. a decreased expression level or loweractivity of the described protein.

Harvestable parts can be in principle any useful parts of a plant, forexample, flowers, pollen, seedlings, tubers, leaves, stems, fruit,seeds, roots etc. Propagation material includes, for example, seeds,fruits, cuttings, seedlings, tubers, rootstocks etc. Preferred areseeds, seedlings, tubers or fruits as harvestable or propagationmaterial.

The invention furthermore relates to the use of the transgenic plantsaccording to the invention and of the cells, cell cultures, parts—suchas, for example, roots, leaves and the like as mentioned above in thecase of transgenic plant organisms—derived from them, and to transgenicpropagation material such as seeds or fruits and the like as mentionedabove, for the production of foodstuffs or feeding stuffs,pharmaceuticals or fine chemicals.

Accordingly in another embodiment, the present invention relates to theuse of the nucleic acid molecule in the plants, plant cells or planttissues, in a vector, or the polypeptide of the present invention forincreasing the growth of plants.

Another embodiment of the invention is a double-stranded RNA molecule(dsRNA), whereby the sense strand of said double-stranded RNA nucleicacid molecule has a homology of at least 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55% or60%, preferably 65%, 70%, 75% or 80%, more preferably 85%, 90%, 95%,96%, 97%, 98% or 99% to the nucleic acid molecule of the invention orencoding a protein conferring the expression of a protein having thebiological activity of the protein of the invention or comprising afragment of at least 10 base pairs (=bases, nt, nucleotides), preferablyat least 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40,45 or 50, especially preferably at least 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 basepairs, very especially preferably at least 100, 200, 300 or 400 basepairs, most preferably at least 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or more basepairs or at least 1000 or 2000 base pairs of a nucleic acid moleculewith a homology of at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or 90%, preferably 100%to a nucleic acid molecule conferring the expression of a protein havingthe biological activity of the protein of the invention or to thenucleic acid molecule of the invention. In another preferred embodimentof the invention the encoded sequence or its part-segment amounts to 17,18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27 bases, preferably to 20, 21,22, 23, 24 or 25 bases, whereby the homology of the sequence is similarto the aforementioned homologies.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the sense and antisensestrand of the double-stranded RNA are covalently bound or are bound byweak chemical bonds such as hydrogen bonds to each other and theantisense strand is essentially the complement of the sense-RNA strand.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is an antisense nucleic acidmolecule, whereby the antisense nucleic acid molecule has a homology ofat least 30% to a nucleic acid molecule antisense to a nucleic acidmolecule encoding the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule ofthe invention or encoding the protein of the invention and conferringthe expression of a protein having the biological activity of a proteinof the invention or an antisense nucleic acid molecule comprising afragment of at least 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50, especially preferably at least 60, 70, 80or 90 base pairs, very especially preferably at least 100, 200, 300 or400 base pairs, most preferably at least 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 or morebase pairs.

A further embodiment of the invention is a ribozyme, which specificallycleaves a nucleic acid molecule conferring expression of a proteinhaving the biological activity of the protein of the invention or anucleic acid molecule encoding the protein encoded by the nucleic acidmolecule of the invention or the nucleic acid molecule of the inventionitself.

A further embodiment of the invention is an antibody, which specificallybinds to and therefore inhibits proteins encoded by nucleic acidmolecules conferring expression of a protein having the biologicalactivity of the protein of the invention or a nucleic acid moleculeencoding the protein encoded by the nucleic acid molecule of theinvention or the nucleic acid molecule of the invention itself.

Yet another embodiments of the invention are a viral nucleic acidmolecule conferring the decline of a RNA molecule conferring theexpression of a protein having the biological activity of the protein ofthe invention or of a nucleic acid molecule encoding the protein encodedby the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or of the nucleic acidmolecule of the invention or a dominant-negative mutant of the proteinof the invention or a nucleic acid molecule encoding such adominant-negative mutant.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for theidentification of a gene product conferring an increase in plant growthin a plant cell or a plant, comprising the following steps:

-   (a) contacting e.g. hybridising, the nucleic acid molecules of a    sample, e.g. plant cells, plant tissues, plants or microorganisms or    a nucleic acid library, which can contain a candidate gene encoding    a gene product conferring an increase in plant growth after    reduction or deletion of its expression, with the nucleic acid    molecule of the present invention;-   (b) identifying the nucleic acid molecules, which hybridize under    relaxed stringent conditions with the nucleic acid molecule of the    present invention in particular to the nucleic acid molecule    sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 113 and, optionally,    isolating the full length cDNA clone or complete genomic clone;-   (c) reducing or deletion the expressing of the identified nucleic    acid molecules in the host cells;-   (d) assaying the growth of plant cells or plants or plant parts; and-   (e) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which    reduction or deletion of expression confers an increase in growth in    the plant cells or plants or plant parts after expression compared    to the wild type.

Relaxed hybridisation conditions are: After standard hybridisationprocedures washing steps can be performed at low to medium stringencyconditions usually with washing conditions of 40°-55° C. and saltconditions between 2×SSC and 0.2×SSC with 0.1% SDS in comparison tostringent washing conditions as e.g. 60° to 68° C. with 0.1% SDS.Further examples can be found in the references listed above for thestringend hybridization conditions. Usually washing steps are repeatedwith increasing stringency and length until a useful signal to noiseratio is detected and depend on many factors as the target, e.g. itspurity, GC-content, size etc, the probe, e.g. its length, is it a RNA ora DNA probe, salt conditions, washing or hybridisation temperature,washing or hybridisation time etc.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for theidentification of a gene product the reduction of which conferring anincreased growth of plants, comprising the following steps:

-   (a) identifying nucleic acid molecules of an organism, which can    contain a candidate gene encoding a gene product conferring an    increase in plant growth after reduction or deletion of its    expression, which are at least 20%, preferably 25%, more preferably    30%, even more preferred are 35%. 40% or 50%, even more preferred    are 60%, 70% or 80%, most preferred are 90% or 95% or more homolog    to the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, for example    via homology search in a data bank;-   (b) reducing or deleting the expression of the identified nucleic    acid molecules in the host cells;-   (c) assaying the increase in growth of the plant cells or plants or    plant parts; and-   (d) identifying the nucleic acid molecule and its gene product which    reduction or deletion of expression confers an increase in plant    growth compared to the wild type.

The nucleic acid molecules identified can then be used for the increasein plant growth in the same way as the nucleic acid molecule of thepresent invention. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present inventionrelates to a process for the production of plants with increased growth,comprising (a) identifying a nucleic acid molecule according toaforementioned steps (a) to (d) and harvesting the plants or plant partstransformed according to the invention having an decreased cellularactivity of a polypeptide encoded by the isolated nucleic acid moleculecompared to a wild type.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to amethod for the identification of a compound stimulating the growth ofsaid plant comprising:

-   a) contacting cells which express the polypeptide of the present    invention or its mRNA with a candidate compound under cell    cultivation conditions;-   b) assaying a reduction, decrease or deletion in expression of said    polypeptide or said mRNA;-   c) comparing the expression level to a standard response made in the    absence of said candidate compound; whereby, a reduced, decreased or    deleted expression over the standard indicates that the compound is    stimulating the growth of the plant.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the present invention relates to amethod for the screening for antagonists of the activity of thepolypeptide of the present invention, e.g. a polypeptide conferring anincrease in plant growth or a part thereof after decreasing the cellularactivity, e.g. of the activity of a polypeptide having the biologicalactivity represented by the protein of the invention comprising:

-   (a) contacting plant cells, plant tissues or plants which express    the polypeptide according to the invention with a candidate compound    or a sample comprising a plurality of compounds under conditions    which permit the expression of the polypeptide of the present    invention;-   (b) assaying the growth of the plants or plant parts or the    polypeptide expression level in the plant cells, tissues or plants;    and-   (c) identifying an antagonist by comparing the measured increase in    plant growth or polypeptide expression level with a standard growth    rate or polypeptide expression level measured in the absence of said    candidate compound or a sample comprising said plurality of    compounds, whereby an increased level of plant growth over the    standard indicates that the compound or the sample comprising said    plurality of compounds is an antagonist.

Yet another embodiment of the invention relates to a process for theidentification of a compound conferring increased plant growthcomprising the following step:

-   (a) culturing or maintaining a plant or their tissues expressing the    polypeptide of the invention or a polynucleotide encoding said    polypeptide and a readout system capable of interacting with the    polypeptide under suitable conditions which permit the interaction    of the polypeptide with this readout system in the presence of a    chemical compound or a sample comprising a plurality of chemical    compounds and capable of providing a detectable signal in response    to the binding of a chemical compound to said polypeptide under    conditions which permit the depression of said readout system and of    the protein of the invention; and-   (b) identifying if the chemical compound is an effective antagonist    by detecting the presence or absence or decrease or increase of a    signal produced by said readout system.

Said compound may be chemically synthesized or microbiologicallyproduced and/or comprised in, for example, samples, e.g., cell extractsfrom, e.g., plants, animals or microorganisms, e.g. pathogens.Furthermore, said compound(s) may be known in the art but hitherto notknown to be capable of suppressing the polypeptide of the presentinvention. The reaction mixture may be a cell free extract or maycomprise a cell or tissue culture. Suitable set ups for the method ofthe invention are known to the person skilled in the art and are, forexample, generally described in Alberts et al., Molecular Biology of theCell, third edition (1994), in particular Chapter 17. The compounds maybe, e.g., added to the reaction mixture, culture medium, injected intothe cell or sprayed onto the plant.

If a sample containing a compound is identified in the method of theinvention, then it is either possible to isolate the compound from theoriginal sample identified as containing the compound capable ofactivating or increasing the growth of plants or part thereof, or onecan further subdivide the original sample, for example, if it consistsof a plurality of different compounds, so as to reduce the number ofdifferent substances per sample and repeat the method with thesubdivisions of the original sample. Depending on the complexity of thesamples, the steps described above can be performed several times,preferably until the sample identified according to the method of theinvention only comprises a limited number of or only one substance(s).Preferably said sample comprises substances of similar chemical and/orphysical properties, and most preferably said substances are identical.Preferably, the compound identified according to the described methodabove or its derivative is further formulated in a form suitable for theapplication in plant breeding or plant cell and tissue culture.

The compounds which can be tested and identified according to a methodof the invention may be expression libraries, e.g., cDNA expressionlibraries, peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies, small organiccompounds, hormones, peptidomimetics, PNAs or the like (Milner, NatureMedicine 1 (1995), 879-880; Hupp, Cell 83 (1995), 237-245; Gibbs, Cell79 (1994), 193-198 and references cited supra). Said compounds can alsobe functional derivatives or analogues of known inhibitors oractivators. Methods for the preparation of chemical derivatives andanalogues are well known to those skilled in the art and are describedin, for example, Beilstein, Handbook of Organic Chemistry, Springeredition New York Inc., 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10010 U.S.A. andOrganic Synthesis, Wiley, New York, USA. Furthermore, said derivativesand analogues can be tested for their effects according to methods knownin the art. Furthermore, peptidomimetics and/or computer aided design ofappropriate derivatives and analogues can be used, for example,according to the methods described above. The cell or tissue that may beemployed in the method of the invention preferably is a host cell, plantcell or plant tissue of the invention described in the embodimentshereinbefore.

Thus, in a further embodiment the invention relates to a compoundobtained or identified according to the method for identifying anantagonist of the invention said compound being an antagonist of thepolypeptide of the present invention.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention further relates toa compound identified by the method for identifying a compound of thepresent invention.

Said compound is, for example, a homolog of the polypeptide of thepresent invention. Homologues of the polypeptide of the presentinvention can be generated by mutagenesis, e.g., discrete point mutationor truncation of the polypeptide of the present invention. As usedherein, the term “homologue” refers to a variant form of the protein,which acts as an antagonist of the activity of the polypeptide of thepresent invention. An antagonist of said protein has lost the biologicalactivities of the polypeptide of the pre-sent invention. In particular,said antagonist confers a decrease of the expression level of thepolypeptide of the present invention and thereby the expression of saidantagonist in a plant or part thereof confers the increase of growth ofthe invention in the plant or part thereof.

In one embodiment, the invention relates to an antibody specificallyrecognizing the compound or antagonist of the present invention.

The invention also relates to a diagnostic composition comprising atleast one of the aforementioned nucleic acid molecules, vectors,proteins, antibodies or compounds of the invention and optionallysuitable means for detection.

The diagnostic composition of the present invention is suitable for theisolation of mRNA from a cell and contacting the mRNA so obtained with aprobe comprising a nucleic acid probe as described above underhybridizing conditions, detecting the presence of mRNA hybridized to theprobe, and thereby detecting the expression of the protein in the cell.Further methods of detecting the presence of a protein according to thepresent invention comprise immunotechniques well known in the art, forexample enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay. Furthermore, it is possibleto use the nucleic acid molecules according to the invention asmolecular markers or primers in plant breeding. Suitable means fordetection are well known to a person skilled in the art, e.g. buffersand solutions for hydridization assays, e.g. the aforementionedsolutions and buffers, further and means for Southern-, Western-,Northern- etc.-blots, as e.g. described in Sambrook et al. are known.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a kit comprisingthe nucleic acid molecule, the vector, the host cell, the polypeptide,the antisense nucleic acid, the antibody, plant cell, the plant or planttissue, the harvestable part, the propagation material and/or thecompound and/or antagonist identified according to the method of theinvention.

The compounds of the kit of the present invention may be packaged incontainers such as vials, optionally with/in buffers and/or solution. Ifappropriate, one or more of said components might be packaged in one andthe same container. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of saidcomponents might be adsorbed to a solid support as, e.g. anitrocellulose filter, a glass plate, a chip, or a nylon membrane or tothe well of a micro titerplate. The kit can be used for any of theherein described methods and embodiments, e.g. for the production of thehost cells, transgenic plants, pharmaceutical compositions, detection ofhomologous sequences, identification of antagonists or agonists, as foodor feed or as a supplement thereof or as supplement for the treating ofplants, etc.

Further, the kit can comprise instructions for the use of the kit forany of said embodiments, in particular for the use for producing plantsor part thereof having an increased growth rate.

In one embodiment said kit comprises further a nucleic acid moleculeencoding one or more of the aforementioned protein, and/or an antibody,a vector, a host cell, an antisense nucleic acid, a plant cell or planttissue or a plant.

In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method forthe production of a agricultural composition providing the nucleic acidmolecule, the vector or the polypeptide of the invention or comprisingthe steps of the method according to the invention for theidentification of said compound or antagonist; and formulating thenucleic acid molecule, the vector or the polypeptide of the invention orthe antagonist, or compound identified according to the methods orprocesses of the present invention or with use of the subject matters ofthe present invention in a form applicable as plant agriculturalcomposition.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for theproduction of plants with increased growth supporting plant culturecomposition comprising the steps of the method for of the presentinvention; and formulating the compound identified in a form acceptableas agricultural composition.

Under “acceptable as agricultural composition” is understood, that sucha composition is in agreement with the laws regulating the content offungicides, plant nutrients, herbizides, etc. Preferably such acomposition is without any harm for the protected plants and the animals(humans included) fed therewith.

The present invention also pertains to several embodiments relating tofurther uses and methods. The nucleic acid molecule, polypeptide,protein homologues, fusion proteins, primers, vectors, host cells,described herein can be used in one or more of the following methods:identification of plants useful for the production of plants withincreased growth rate as mentioned and related organisms; mapping ofgenomes; identification and localization of sequences of interest;evolutionary studies; determination of regions required for function;modulation of an activity.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention have avariety of uses. First, they may be used to identify a plant or a closerelative thereof. Also, they may be used to identify the presencethereof or a relative thereof in a mixed population of plants. Byprobing the extracted genomic DNA of a culture of a unique or mixedpopulation of plants under stringent conditions with a probe spanning aregion of the gene of the present invention which is unique to this, onecan ascertain whether the present invention has been used or whether itor a close relative is present.

Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention may be sufficientlyhomologous to the sequences of related species such that these nucleicacid molecules may serve as markers for the construction of a genomicmap in related organism or for association mapping. Furthermore naturalvariation in the genomic regions corresponding to nucleic acids of theinvention or homologous thereof may lead to variation in the activity ofthe proteins of the invention and their homolgous and in consequence innatural variation in the increase of the growth rate. In consequencenatural variation eventually also exists in form of less active allelicvariants leading already to a relative increase in the growth rate.Different variants of the nucleic acids of the invention, whichcorrespond to different growth rate increasing capabilities can beidentified and used for marker assisted breeding for plants showingincreased growth rate.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method for breedingplants with increased growth rate, comprising

-   (a) selecting a first plant variety capable of increased groth rate    by reducing, decreasing or deleting the expressing of the    polypeptide according to the invention;-   (b) associating the ability to increase the growth rate with the    expression level or the genomic structure of the genes of the    invention;-   (c) crossing the first plant variety with a second plant variety,    which significantly differs in its ability to increase the growth    rate; and-   (d) identifying, which of the offspring varieties has got the    capacity to increase the growth rate by means of analyzing the    expression or genomic structure of the genes of the invention.

The nucleic acid molecules of the invention are also useful forevolutionary and protein structural studies. By comparing the sequencesof the invention to those encoding similar enzymes from other organisms,the evolutionary relatedness of the organisms can be assessed.Similarly, such a comparison permits an assessment of which regions ofthe sequence are conserved and which are not, which may aid indetermining those regions of the protein which are essential for thefunctioning of the enzyme. This type of determination is of value forprotein engineering studies and may give an indication of what theprotein can tolerate in terms of mutagenesis without losing function.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention can be used forthe identification of other nucleic acids conferring an increase ingrowth rate after reduction, decrease or deletion of their expression.

Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention or a fragment of agene conferring the expression of the polypeptide of the invention,preferably comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, can beused for marker assisted breeding or association mapping of growth raterelated traits.

Accordingly, the nucleic acid of the invention, the polypeptide of theinvention, the nucleic acid construct of the invention, the plants, thehost cell, the plant tissue, plant cell, or the plant part thereof ofthe invention, the vector of the invention, the antagonist identifiedwith the method of the invention, the nucleic acid molecule identifiedwith the method of the present invention, can be used for the productionof plants with increased growth rate.

These and other embodiments are disclosed and encompassed by thedescription and examples of the present invention. Further literatureconcerning any one of the methods, uses and compounds to be employed inaccordance with the present invention may be retrieved from publiclibraries, using for example electronic devices. For example the publicdatabase “Medline” may be utilized which is available on the Internet,for example under the website at ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/medline.html.Further databases and addresses, such as ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/,infobiogen.fr/, fmi.ch/biology/research-tools.html, tigr.org/, are knownto the person skilled in the art and can also be obtained using, e.g.,lycos.com. An overview of patent information in biotechnology and asurvey of relevant sources of patent information useful forretrospective searching and for current awareness is given in Berks,TIBTECH 12 (1994), 352-364.

The present invention is illustrated by the examples, which follow. Thepresent examples illustrate the basic invention without being intendedas limiting the subject of the invention. The content of all of thereferences, patent applications, patents and published patentapplications cited in the present patent application is herewithincorporated by reference.

EXAMPLE 1 Engineering of Arabidopsis Plants

A binary knock out vector was constructed based on the modified pPZPbinary vector backbone (comprising the kanamycin-gene for bacterialselection; Hajdukiewicz, P. et al., 1994, Plant Mol. Biol., 25: 989-994)and the selection marker bar-gene (De Block et al., 1987, EMBO J. 6,2513-2518) driven by the mas2′1′ and mas271f promoters (Velten et al.,1984, EMBO J. 3, 2723-2730; Mengiste, Amedeo and Paszkowski, 1997, PlantJ., 12, 945-948).

Examples of other usable binary vectors for insertional mutagenesis arepBIN19, pBl101, pBinAR, pSun or pGPTV. An overview over binary vectorsand their specific features is given in Hellens et al., 2000, Trends inplant Science, 5:446-451 and in Guerineau F., Mullineaux P., 1993, Planttransformation and expression vectors in plant molecular biology, LABFAXSeries, (Croy R. R. D., ed.) pp. 121-127 Bios Scientific Publishers,Oxford.

EXAMPLE 2 Plant Transformation and Analysis

The plasmid was transformed into Agrobacterium tumefaciens (GV3101pMP90; Koncz and Schell, 1986 Mol. Gen. Genet. 204:383-396) using heatshock or electroporation protocols. Transformed colonies were grown onYEB medium and selected by respective antibiotics (Rif/Gent/Km) for 2 dat 28° C. These agrobacteria cultures were used for the planttransformation.

Arabidopsis thaliana of the ecotype C24 were grown and transformedaccording to standard conditions (Bechtold, N., Ellis, J., Pelletier, G.1993. In planta Agrobacterium mediated gene transfer by infiltration ofArabidopsis thaliana plants, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris 316:1194-1199; Bent,A. F., Clough, J. C., 1998; Floral dip: a simplified method forAgrobacterium-mediated transformation of Arabidopsis thaliana, PLANT J.16:735-743).

Transformed plants (F1) were selected by the use of their respectiveresistance marker. In case of BASTA®-resistance, plantlets were sprayedfour times at an interval of 2 to 3 days with 0.02% BASTA® andtransformed plants were allowed to set seeds. 50-100 seedlings (F2) weresubjected again to marker selection, in case of BASTA-resistance byspaying with 0.1% BASTA® on 4 consecutive days during the plantletphase. Plants segregating for a single resistance locus (approximately3:1 resistant seedling to sensitive seedlings) were chosen for furtheranalysis. From these lines three of the resistant seedlings (F2) wereagain allowed to set seeds and were tested for homozygosis throughin-vitro germination of their seeds (F3) on agar medium containing theselection agent (BASTA®, 15 mg/l ammonium glufosinate, Pestanal, Riedelde Haen, Seelze, Germany). Those F2 lines which showed nearly 100%resistant offspring (F3) were considered homozygote and taken forfunctional analysis. For analysis, the plants were cultivated in aphytotron from Swalöf Weibull (Sweden) under the following conditions.After stratification, the test plants were cultured in a 16 h light 8 hdark rhythm at 20° C., a humidity of 60% and a CO₂ concentration of 400ppm for 22-23 days. The light sources used were Powerstar HQI-T 250 W/DDaylight lamps from Osram, which generate light of a color spectrumsimilar to that of the sun with a light intensity of 220 μE/m²/s⁻¹.

On days 24 after sowing, which correspond to approximately day 17 aftergermination, in each case approximately 40 individual plants of both thewild type (WT) and the KO lines which by visual expection showedincreased growth were studied. The fresh weight of aboveground parts oftransgenic lines and wild type (WT) Arabidopsis plants was determinedimmediately thereafter, using a precision balance. The differencesbetween the results for the wild type plants and the heaviest transgenicline were tested for significance by means of an ANOVA for each line.One line KO 10488 with increased seed yield, leaf number and freshweight could be identified, see table 1a.

TABLE 1a Increase of biomass of transgenic KO10488 Arabidopsis plants incomparison to the MC24 wild type (means +/− standard deviation). Foranother line KO14595 a strong increase in seed yield and smallerincreases in leaf number and fresh weight could be identified. SeedYield Leaf Number Fresh weight MC24 149.1 (+/−37.9) 13.08 (+/−7.9) 224.5KO10488 189.8 (+/−47.9)  13.6 (+/−2) 237.5

TABLE 1b Increase of biomass especially seed yield of transgenic KO14595Arabidopsis plants in comparison to the MC24 wild type (means +/−standard deviation). Seed Yield Leaf Number Fresh weight MC24 392.1(+/−98.6)  13.3 (+/−6) 201.9 KO14595 557.1 (+/−105.1) 13.5 (+/−5) 208.1

EXAMPLE 3 Molecular Analysis of KO Lines 10488 and 14595

Since the lines were preselected for single insertion loci and ahomozygous situation of the resistance marker, the disruption (ormutation) of single genes through the integration of the T-DNA wereexpected to have lead to the increased yield phenotype.

Genomic DNA was purified from approximately 100 mg of leaf tissue fromthese lines using standard procedures (spin columns from Qiagen, Hilden,Germany). The amplification of the insertion side of the T-DNA KO line10488 was achieved using an adaptor PCR-method according to Spertini D,Béliveau C. and Bellemare G., 1999, Biotechniques, 27, 308-314 usingT-DNA specific primers

(SEQ ID NO: 96) LB1: 5′-TGA CGC CAT TTC GCC TTT TCA-3′for the first and

(SEQ ID NO: 97) LB2: 5′-CAG AAA TGG ATA AAT AGC CTT GCT TCC-3′for the second PCR respectively.

For line KO14595 TAIL-PCR (Liu Y-G, Mitsukawa N, Oosumi T and Whittier RF, 1995, Plant J. 8, 457-463 was preformed using the degenerated primerADP3 (5′-WGTGNAGWANCANAGA-3′, SEQ ID: 253). As primers specific for theT-DNA left border, in the first PCR round primer LB1 (5′-TGA CGC CAT TTCGCC TTT TCA-3′ SEQ ID: 262), for the second round primer LB2 (5′-CAG AAATGG ATA AAT AGC CTT GCT TCC-3′ SEQ ID 263) and for the last round primerLB3 (5′-CCA ATA CAT TAC ACT AGC ATC TG-3′; SEQ ID: 264) was used.

Appropriate PCR-products were identified on agarose gels and purifiedusing columns and standard procedures (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany).PCR-products were sequenced with additional T-DNA-specific primerslocated towards the borders relative to the primers used foramplification. For adaptor PCR products containing left bordersequences, primer LBseq (5′-CAA TAC ATT ACA CTA GCA TCT G-3′) (SEQ IDNO: 98) was used for sequencing reactions. The resulting sequences weretaken for comparison with the available Arabidopsis genome sequence fromGenbank using the blast algorithm (Altschul et al., 1990. J Mol Biol,215:403-410).

Details on PCR products used to identify the genomic locus are given intable 2. Indicated are the identified annotated open reading frame inthe Arabidopsis genome, the estimated size of the obtained PCR product(in base pairs), the T-DNA border (LB: left border, RB: right border)for which the amplification was achieved, the method which resulted inthe indicated PCR product (explanation see text above) and therespective restriction enzymes used in adaptor PCR.

The identification of the insertion locus in each case was confirmed bya control PCR, using one of the above mentioned T-DNA-specific primersand a primer deduced from the identified genomic locus, near to theinsertion side. The amplification of a PCR-product of the expected sizefrom the insertion line using these two primers proved the disruption ofthe identified locus by the T-DNA integration.

TABLE 2 Details on PCR products used to identify the down-regulatedgenomic locus in lines showing increased yield. SEQ ID PCR- Restrictionenzyme NO ORF Product Border Method or deg. primer 1 at5g64410 620 bp LBAdaptor- Psp1406I/Bsp119I PCR 113 at5g02270 550 bp LB TAIL- ADP3 PCR

Column 1 refers to the SEQ ID NO of the gene which has been knocked out,column 2 refers to the genebank accession of the gene, column 3 refersto the approximate length of the amplified PCR product, column 4 refersto the T-DNA border for which the PCR product was amplified, column 5refers to the PCR method for amplification and column 6 refers torestriction enzyme used in the PCR method (for detailed explanation tocolumns 5 and 6 see text above)

EXAMPLE 4 Construction of Antisense Constructs for Repression of theGenes of the Invention

A fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 is amplified by PCR. To enable cloning of thePCR product, restriction sites may be added to the primers used for theamplification. Alternatively recombination sites may be added to theprimers to enable a recombination reaction. The PCR fragment is eithercloned or recombined into a binary vector, preferently under control ofa strong constitutive, tissue or developmental specific promoter in away, that the orientation to the promoter is opposite to the directionof the gene in its original genomic position.

The amplification of the fragment of the SEQ ID NO: 1 was performedusing the oligonucleotides that have been deduced from the genesequence:

at5g64410fw2: (SEQ ID NO: 94) 5′-atattaattaaGGTTCAAACATCATATCTTC-3′at5g64410rev2: (SEQ ID NO: 95) 5′-ataccatggCGGGTTTTGGGAAGCACCTTGG-3′

The Oligonucleotides have been solved in water to give a concentrationof 20 μm. The PCR reaction contained 5 μl Herculase buffer (Stratagene),0.4 μl dNTPs (25 mM each) (Amersham), 0.5 μl Primer a07610fw, 0.5 μlPrimer a07610rev, 0.5 μl Herculase (Stratagene), 0.5 μl gDNA and 42.6 μlwater. The PCR was performed on MJ-Cycler Tetrad (BioZym) with thefollowing program:

4 min 94° C., followed by 30 cycles of 1 min 94° C., 1 min 50° C., 2 min72° C. followed by 10 min 72° C. and cooling to 25° C.

The PCR product has been purified using a Kit from Qiagen. The DNA wassubsequently digested with NcoI/PacI at 37° C. over night. The fragmentwas then cloned into the vector 1bxPcUbicolic—see FIG. 1—which has beendigested with NcoI/PacI. The resulting construct was named 1bxPcUbiantiat5g64410.

For Seq ID NO: 113, ORF at5g02270, die antisense repression was carriedout in a similar way using primer SEQ ID NO: 256 and SEQ ID NO: 257 forthe amplification of the gene fragment.

at5g02270fw2: (SEQ ID NO: 256) 5′ atattaattaaTGGAGCCGCATATGGTTAGG- 3′at5g02270rev2: (SEQ ID NO: 257) 5′atccatggTCAGTCCGTGTTTCAAACTC- 3′

EXAMPLE 5 Construction of RNAi Constructs for Repression of the Genes ofthe Invention

A fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 is amplified by PCR. To enable cloning of thePCR product, restriction sites may be added to the primers used for theamplification. Alternatively recombination sites may be added to theprimers to enable a recombination reaction. The PCR fragment is eithercloned or recombined into a binary vector, preferently under control ofa strong constitutive, tissue or developmental specific promoter in away, that the fragment is introduced twice in the vector as an invertedrepeat, the repeats separated by a DNA spacer.

The amplification of the fragment of the SEQ ID NO: 1 was performedusing the oligonucleotides that have been deduced from the genesequence:

at5g64410fw3: (SEQ ID NO: 99) 5′-ataggtaccGGTTCAAACATCATATCTTC-3′at5g64410rev3: (SEQ ID NO: 100) 5′-atagtcgacCGGGTTTTGGGAAGCACCTTGG-3′

The oligonucleotides have been solved in water to give a concentrationof 20 μm. The PCR reaction contained 5 μl Herculase buffer (Stratagene),0.4 μl dNTPs (25 mM each) (Amersham), 0.5 μl Primer a07610fw, 0.5 μlPrimer a07610rev, 0.5 μl Herculase (Stratagene), 0.5 μl gDNA and 42.6 μlwater. The PCR was performed on MJ-Cycler Tetrad (BioZym) with thefollowing program:

4 min 94° C., followed by 30 cycles of 1 min 94° C., 1 min 50° C., 2 min72° C. followed by 10 min 72° C. and cooling to 25° C.

The PCR product has been purified using a Kit from Qiagen. The DNA wassubsequently digested with Asp718/SalI at 37° C. over night. Thefragment was then cloned into the vector 10PcUbispacer—see FIG. 2—whichhas been digested with Asp718/SalI. The resulting construct was digestedwith XhoI/BsrGI and the same Asp718/SalI digested PCR fragment wasligated into this vector. Subsequently, the expression cassette givingrise to BASTA resistance was ligated as XbaI fragment into this vectorthat has been opened with XbaI and dephosphorilized before. Theresulting construct was named 1 bxPcUbiri3g07610.

For the RNAi repression of at5g02270, SEQ ID NO: 113 the same procedureas described above was followed using the specific primers:

at5g02270fw3: (SEQ ID NO: 260) 5′ ataggtaccTGGAGCCGCATATGGTTAGG- 3′at5g02270rev3: (SEQ ID NO: 261) 5′atagtcgacTCAGTCCGTGTTTCAAACTC- 3′for the amplication of the gene specific fragment.

EXAMPLE 6 Construction of Cosuppression Constructs for Repression of theGenes of the Invention

A fragment of SEQ ID NO: 1 is amplified by PCR. To enable cloning of thePCR product, restriction sites may be added to the primers used for theamplification. Alternatively recombination sites may be added to theprimers to enable a recombination reaction. The PCR fragment is eithercloned or recombined into a binary vector, preferently under control ofa strong constitutive, tissue or developmental specific promoter in away, that the orientation to the promoter is identical to the directionof the gene in its original genomic position.

The amplification of the fragment of the SEQ ID NO: 1 was performedusing the oligonucleotides that have been deduced from the genesequence:

at5g64410w4: (SEQ ID NO: 101) 5′-ataccatggGGTTCAAACATCATATCTTC-3′at5g64410rev4: (SEQ ID NO: 102) 5′-atattaattaaCGGGTTTTGGGAAGCACCTTGG-3′

The oligonucleotides have been solved in water to give a concentrationof 20 μm. The PCR reaction contained 5 μl Herculase buffer (Stratagene),0.4 μl dNTPs (25 mM each) (Amersham), 0.5 μl Primer a07610fw, 0.5 μlPrimer a07610rev, 0.5 μl Herculase (Stratagene), 0.5 μl gDNA and 42.6 μlwater. The PCR was performed on MJ-Cycler Tetrad (BioZym) with thefollowing program:

4 min 94° C., followed by 30 cycles of 1 min 94° C., 1 min 50° C., 2 min72° C. followed by 10 min 72° C. and cooling to 25° C.

The PCR product has been purified using a Kit from Qiagen. The DNA wassubsequently digested with NcoI/PacI at 37° C. over night. The fragmentwas then cloned into the vector 1 bxPcUbicolic—see FIG. 1—which has beendigested with NcoI/PacI. The resulting construct was named 1bxPcUbicos3g07610.

For cosuppression of at5g02270, SEQ ID NO: 113 the same procedure asdescribed above was followed using the specific primers:

at5g02270fw4: (SEQ ID NO: 258) 5′ atccatggTGGAGCCGCATATGGTTAGG- 3′at5g02270rev4: (SEQ ID NO: 259) 5′ atattaattaaTCAGTCCGTGTTTCAAACTC- 3′for the amplication of the gene specific fragment.

EXAMPLE 7 Reducing the Expression of the Genes of the Invention byArtificial Transcription Factors

The genes of the invention and their homologous ORFs in other speciesmay also be down regulated by introducing a synthetic specificrepressor. For this purpose, a gene for a chimeric zinc finger protein,which binds to a specific region in the regulatory or coding region ofthe gene of interest or its homolog in other species is constructed. Theartificial zinc finger protein comprises a specific DNA-binding domainconsisting for example of zinc finger and optionally a repression domainlike the EAR domain (Hiratsu et al., 2003. Plant J. 34(5), 733-739Dominant repression of target genes by chimeric repressors that includethe EAR motif, a repression domain, in Arabidopsis).

Expression of this chimeric repressor for example in plants then resultsin specific repression of the target gene or of its homologs in otherplant species which leads to an increase in yield. The experimentaldetails especially about the design and construction of specific zincfinger domains may be carried out as described or as characterised in WO01/52620 or Ordiz M I, (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, Issue20, 13290) or Guan, (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2002, Vol. 99, Issue20, 13296).

EXAMPLE 8 Engineering Ryegrass Plants by Repressing the Nucleic AcidSequence Homologs of the Invention in Ryegrass

Seeds of several different ryegrass varieties can be used as explantsources for transformation, including the commercial variety Gunneavailable from Svalof Weibull Seed Company or the variety Affinity.Seeds are surface-sterilized sequentially with 1% Tween-20 for 1 minute,100% bleach for 60 minutes, 3 rinses with 5 minutes each with de-ionizedand distilled H₂O, and then germinated for 3-4 days on moist, sterilefilter paper in the dark. Seedlings are further sterilized for 1 minutewith 1% Tween-20, 5 minutes with 75% bleach, and rinsed 3 times withddH2O, 5 min each.

Surface-sterilized seeds are placed on the callus induction mediumcontaining Murashige and Skoog basal salts and vitamins, 20 g/l sucrose,150 mg/l asparagine, 500 mg/l casein hydrolysate, 3 g/l Phytagel, 10mg/l BAP, and 5 mg/l dicamba. Plates are incubated in the dark at 25° C.for 4 weeks for seed germination and embryogenic callus induction.

After 4 weeks on the callus induction medium, the shoots and roots ofthe seedlings are trimmed away, the callus is transferred to freshmedia, is maintained in culture for another 4 weeks, and is thentransferred to MSO medium in light for 2 weeks. Several pieces of callus(11-17 weeks old) are either strained through a 10 mesh sieve and putonto callus induction medium, or are cultured in 100 ml of liquidryegrass callus induction media (same medium as for callus inductionwith agar) in a 250 ml flask. The flask is wrapped in foil and shaken at175 rpm in the dark at 23° C. for 1 week. Sieving the liquid culturewith a 40-mesh sieve is collecting the cells. The fraction collected onthe sieve is plated and is cultured on solid ryegrass callus inductionmedium for 1 week in the dark at 25° C. The callus is then transferredto and is cultured on MS medium containing 1% sucrose for 2 weeks.

Transformation can be accomplished with either Agrobacterium or withparticle bombardment methods. An expression vector is created containinga constitutive plant promoter and the repression construct of the genein a pUC vector. The plasmid DNA is prepared from E. coli cells usingwith Qiagen kit according to manufacturer's instruction. Approximately 2g of embryogenic callus is spread in the center of a sterile filterpaper in a Petri dish. An aliquot of liquid MSO with 10 μl sucrose isadded to the filter paper. Gold particles (1.0 μm in size) are coatedwith plasmid DNA according to method of Sanford et al., 1993 and aredelivered to the embryogenic callus with the following parameters: 500μg particles and 2 μg DNA per shot, 1300 psi and a target distance of8.5 cm from stopping plate to plate of callus and 1 shot per plate ofcallus.

After the bombardment, calli are transferred back to the fresh callusdevelopment medium and maintained in the dark at room temperature for a1-week period. The callus is then transferred to growth conditions inthe light at 25° C. to initiate embryo differentiation with theappropriate selection agent, e.g. 250 nM Arsenal, 5 mg/l PPT or 50 mg/lkanamycin. Shoots resistant to the selection agent are appearing andonce rooted are transferred to soil.

Samples of the primary transgenic plants (TO) are analyzed by PCR toconfirm the presence of T-DNA. These results are confirmed by Southernhybridization in which DNA is electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel andtransferred to a positively charged nylon membrane (Roche Diagnostics).The PCR DIG Probe Synthesis Kit (Roche Diagnostics) is used to prepare adigoxigenin-labelled probe by PCR, and used as recommended by themanufacturer.

Transgenic T0 ryegrass plants are propagated vegetatively by excisingtillers. The transplanted tillers are maintained in the greenhouse for 2months until well established. The shoots are defoliated and allowed togrow for 2 weeks.

EXAMPLE 9 Engineering Soybean Plants by Repressing the Nucleic AcidSequence Homologs of the Invention in Soybean

Soybean can be transformed according to the following modification ofthe method described in the Texas A&M U.S. Pat. No. 5,164,310. Severalcommercial soybean varieties are amenable to transformation by thismethod. The cultivar Jack (available from the Illinois Seed Foundation)is commonly used for transformation. Seeds are sterilized by immersionin 70% (v/v) ethanol for 6 min and in 25% commercial bleach (NaOCl)supplemented with 0.1% (v/v) Tween for 20 min, followed by rinsing 4times with sterile double distilled water. Removing the radicle,hypocotyl and one cotyledon from each seedling propagates seven-dayseedlings. Then, the epicotyl with one cotyledon is transferred to freshgermination media in petri dishes and incubated at 25° C. under a 16-hrphotoperiod (approx. 100 μE-m-2s-1) for three weeks. Axillary nodes(approx. 4 mm in length) are cut from 3 to 4 week-old plants. Axillarynodes are excised and incubated in Agrobacterium LBA4404 culture.

Many different binary vector systems have been described for planttransformation (e.g. An, G. in Agrobacterium Protocols. Methods inMolecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland KMA and MR Davey eds.Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Many are based on the vector pBIN19described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984. 12:8711-8721) thatincludes a plant gene expression cassette flanked by the left and rightborder sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Aplant gene expression cassette consists of at least two genes—aselection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating the transcriptionof the repression cassette of the trait gene. Various selection markergenes can be used as described above, including the Arabidopsis geneencoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,767,366 and 6,225,105). Similarly, various promoters can be usedto regulate the repression cassette to provide constitutive,developmental, tissue or environmental repression of gene transcriptionas described above. In this example, the 34S promoter (GenBank Accessionnumbers M59930 and X16673) is used to provide constitutive expression ofthe repression cassette, for example the antisense, the RNAi or theco-suppression construct.

After the co-cultivation treatment, the explants are washed andtransferred to selection media supplemented with 500 mg/l timentin.Shoots are excised and placed on a shoot elongation medium. Shootslonger than 1 cm are placed on rooting medium for two to four weeksprior to transplanting to soil.

The primary transgenic plants (T0) are analyzed by PCR to confirm thepresence of T-DNA. These results are confirmed by Southern hybridizationin which DNA is electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel and transferred to apositively charged nylon membrane (Roche Diagnostics). The PCR DIG ProbeSynthesis Kit (Roche Diagnostics) is used to prepare adigoxigenin-labelled probe by PCR, and is used as recommended by themanufacturer.

EXAMPLE 10 Engineering Corn Plants by Repressing Nucleic Acid SequenceHomologs of the Invention in Corn

Transformation of maize (Zea Mays L.) is performed with a modificationof the method described by Ishida et al. (1996) Nature Biotech14745-50). Transformation is geno-type-dependent in corn and onlyspecific genotypes are amenable to transformation and regeneration. Theinbred line A188 (University of Minnesota) or hybrids with A188 as aparent are good sources of donor material for transformation (Fromm etal., 1990, Biotech 8:833-839), but other genotypes can be usedsuccessfully as well. Ears are harvested from corn plants atapproximately 11 days after pollination (DAP) when the length ofimmature embryos is about 1 to 1.2 mm. Immature embryos areco-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens that carry “super binary”vectors and transgenic plants are recovered through organogenesis. Thesuper binary vector system of Japan Tobacco is described in WO94/00977and WO95/06722. Vectors can be constructed as described. Variousselection marker genes can be used including the maize gene encoding amutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat. No.6,025,541). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate therepression cassette to provide constitutive, developmental, tissue orenvironmental repression of gene transcription. In this example, the 34Spromoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) is used toprovide constitutive expression of the repression cassette.

Excised embryos are grown on callus induction medium, then maizeregeneration medium, containing imidazolinone as a selection agent. ThePetri plates are incubated in the light at 25° C. for 2 to 3 weeks, oruntil shoots develop. The green shoots are transferred from each embryoto maize rooting medium and incubated at 25° C. for 2 to 3 weeks, untilroots develop. The rooted shoots are transplanted to soil in thegreenhouse. T1 seeds are produced from plants that exhibit tolerance tothe imidazolinone herbicides and which are PCR positive for thetransgenes.

The T1 generation of single locus insertions of the T-DNA can segregatefor the trans-gene in a 3:1 ratio. Those progeny containing one or twocopies of the transgene are tolerant to the imidazolinone herbicide.Homozygous T2 plants can exhibit similar phenotypes as the T1 plants.Hybrid plants (F1 progeny) of homozygous transgenic plants andnon-transgenic plants can also exhibited increased similar phenotypes.

EXAMPLE 11 Engineering Wheat Plants by Repressing Nucleic Acid SequenceHomologs of the Invention in Wheat

Transformation of wheat is performed with the method described by Ishidaet al. (1996 Nature Biotech. 14745-50). The cultivar Bobwhite (availablefrom CYMMIT, Mexico) is commonly used in transformation. Immatureembryos are co-cultivated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens that carry“super binary” vectors, and transgenic plants are recovered throughorganogenesis. The super binary vector system of Japan Tobacco isdescribed in WO94/00977 and WO95/06722. Vectors are constructed asdescribed. Various selection marker genes can be used including themaize gene encoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme(U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,541). Similarly, various promoters can be used toregulate the repression cassette to provide constitutive, developmental,tissue or environmental regulation of gene repression. In this example,the 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) can beused to provide constitutive expression of the repression cassette.

After incubation with Agrobacterium, the embryos are grown on callusinduction medium, then regeneration medium, containing imidazolinone asa selection agent. The Petri plates are incubated in the light at 25° C.for 2 to 3 weeks until shoots develop. The green shoots are transferredfrom each embryo to rooting medium and incubated at 25° C. for 2 to 3weeks until roots develop. The rooted shoots are transplanted to soil inthe greenhouse. T1 seeds are produced from plants that exhibit toleranceto the imidazolinone herbicides and which are PCR positive for thetransgenes.

The T1 generation of single locus insertions of the T-DNA can segregatefor the trans-gene in a 3:1 ratio. Those progeny containing one or twocopies to the transgene are tolerant to the imidazolinone herbicide.Homozygous T2 plants exhibit similar phenotypes.

EXAMPLE 12 Engineering Rapeseed/Canola Plants by Repressing Nucleic AcidSequence Homologs of the Invention in Rapeseed/Canola Plants

Cotyledonary petioles and hypocotyls of 5-6 day-old young seedlings areused as explants for tissue culture and transformed according to Babicet al. (1998, Plant Cell Rep 17: 183-188). The commercial cultivarWestar (Agriculture Canada) is the standard variety used fortransformation, but other varieties can also be used.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404 containing a binary vector are usedfor canola transformation. Many different binary vector systems havebeen described for plant transformation (e.g. An, G. in AgrobacteriumProtocols. Methods in Molecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland K M Aand M R Davey eds. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Many are based on thevector pBIN19 described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984.12:8711-8721) that includes a plant gene expression cassette flanked bythe left and right border sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacteriumtumefaciens. A plant gene expression cassette consists of at least twogenes—a selection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating thetranscription of the repression cassette of the trait gene. Variousselection marker genes can be used including the Arabidopsis geneencoding a mutated acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,767,366 and 6,225,105). Similarly, various promoters can be usedto regulate the repression cassette to provide constitutive,developmental, tissue or environmental regulation of gene repression. Inthis example, the 34S promoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 andX16673) can be used to provide constitutive expression of the repressioncassette.

Canola seeds are surface-sterilized in 70% ethanol for 2 min., and thenin 30% Clorox with a drop of Tween-20 for 10 min, followed by threerinses with sterilized distilled water. Seeds are then germinated invitro 5 days on half strength MS medium without hormones, 1% sucrose,0.7% Phytagar at 23° C., 16 hours light. The cotyledon petiole explantswith the cotyledon attached are excised from the in vitro seedlings, andare inoculated with Agrobacterium by dipping the cut end of the petioleexplant into the bacterial suspension. The explants are then culturedfor 2 days on MSBAP-3 medium containing 3 mg/l BAP, 3% sucrose, 0.7%Phytagar at 23° C., 16 hours light. After two days of co-cultivationwith Agrobacterium, the petiole explants are transferred to MSBAP-3medium containing 3 mg/l BAP, cefotaxime, carbenicillin, or timentin(300 mg/l) for 7 days, and then cultured on MSBAP-3 medium withcefotaxime, carbenicillin, or timentin and selection agent until shootregeneration. When the shoots are 5 to 10 mm in length, they are cut andtransferred to shoot elongation medium (MSBAP-0.5, containing 0.5 mg/lBAP). Shoots of about 2 cm in length are transferred to the rootingmedium (MSO) for root induction.

Samples of the primary transgenic plants (T0) are analyzed by PCR toconfirm the presence of T-DNA. These results are confirmed by Southernhybridization in which DNA is electrophoresed on a 1% agarose gel andare transferred to a positively charged nylon membrane (RocheDiagnostics). The PCR DIG Probe Synthesis Kit (Roche Diagnostics) isused to prepare a digoxigenin-labelled probe by PCR, and used asrecommended by the manufacturer.

EXAMPLE 13 Engineering Alfalfa Plants by Repressing Nucleic AcidSequence Homologs of the Invention in Alfalfa

A regenerating clone of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is transformed usingthe method of McKersie et al., 1999 Plant Physiol 119: 839-847.Regeneration and transformation of alfalfa is genotype dependent andtherefore a regenerating plant is required. Methods to obtainregenerating plants have been described. For example, these can beselected from the cultivar Rangelander (Agriculture Canada) or any othercommercial alfalfa variety as described by Brown DCW and A Atanassov(1985. Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 4: 111-112). Alternatively, theRA3 variety (University of Wisconsin) has been selected for use intissue culture (Walker et al., 1978 Am J Bot 65:654-659).

Petiole explants are cocultivated with an overnight culture ofAgrobacterium tumefaciens C58C1 pMP90 (McKersie et al., 1999 PlantPhysiol 119: 839-847) or LBA4404 containing a binary vector. Manydifferent binary vector systems have been described for planttransformation (e.g. An, G. in Agrobacterium Protocols. Methods inMolecular Biology vol 44, pp 47-62, Gartland K M A and M R Davey eds.Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Many are based on the vector pBIN19described by Bevan (Nucleic Acid Research. 1984. 12:8711-8721) thatincludes a plant gene expression cassette flanked by the left and rightborder sequences from the Ti plasmid of Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Aplant gene expression cassette consists of at least two genes—aselection marker gene and a plant promoter regulating the transcriptionof the repression cassette of the trait gene. Various selection markergenes can be used including the Arabidopsis gene encoding a mutatedacetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) enzyme (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,767,366 and6,225,105). Similarly, various promoters can be used to regulate therepression cassette that provides constitutive, developmental, tissue orenvironmental regulation of gene repression. In this example, the 34Spromoter (GenBank Accession numbers M59930 and X16673) can be used toprovide constitutive expression of the repression cassette.

The explants are cocultivated for 3 d in the dark on SH induction mediumcontaining 288 mg/L Pro, 53 mg/L thioproline, 4.35 gA K₂SO₄, and 100 μmacetosyringinone. The explants are washed in half-strengthMurashige-Skoog medium (Murashige and Skoog, 1962) and plated on thesame SH induction medium without acetosyringinone but with a suitableselection agent and suitable antibiotic to inhibit Agrobacterium growth.After several weeks, somatic embryos are transferred to BOi2Ydevelopment medium containing no growth regulators, no antibiotics, and50 g/l sucrose. Somatic embryos are subsequently germinated onhalf-strength Murashige-Skoog medium. Rooted seedlings are transplantedinto pots and grown in a greenhouse.

The T0 transgenic plants are propagated by node cuttings and rooted inTurface growth medium. The plants are defoliated and grown to a heightof about 10 cm (approximately 2 weeks after defoliation).

EXAMPLE 14 Knock Out of the Genes of the Invention by HomologsRecombination

Identifying mutations in the genes of the invention in randommutagenized populations

-   a) In Chemically or Radiation Mutated Population    -   Production of chemically or radiation mutated populations is a        common technique and known to the skilled worker. Methods are        described by Koomeef et al. 1982 and the citations therein and        by Lightner and Caspar in “Methods in Molecular Biology” Vol 82.        These techniques usually induce pointmutations that can be        identified in any known gene using methods such as TILLING        (McCallum et al., 2000) (Nat. Biotech 18, 455-457); Till et al.,        (Methods Mol Biol. 2003; 236:205-20) and Till et al., (BMC Plant        Biol. 2004 Jul. 28; 4(1); 12).-   b) In T-DNA or Transposon Mutated Population by Reserve Genetics    -   Reverse genetic strategies to identify insertion mutants in        genes of interest have been described for various cases e.g.        Krysan et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 2283-2290); Sessions        et al., 2002 (Plant Cell 2002, 14, 2985-2994); Young et al.,        2001, (Plant Physiol. 2001, 125, 513-518); Koprek et al., 2000        (Plant J. 2000, 24, 253-263); Jeon et al., 2000 (Plant J. 2000,        22, 561-570); Tissier et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11,        1841-1852); Speulmann et al., 1999 (Plant Cell 1999, 11,        1853-1866). Briefly material from all plants of a large T-DNA or        transposon mutagenized plant population is harvested and genomic        DNA prepared. Then the genomic DNA is pooled following specific        architectures as described for example in Krysan et al., 1999        (Plant Cell 1999, 11, 2283-2290). Pools of genomics DNAs are        then screened by specific multiplex PCR reactions detecting the        combination of the insertional mutagen (eg T-DNA or Transposon)        and the gene of interest. Therefore PCR reactions are run on the        DNA pools with specific combinations of T-DNA or transposon        border primers and gene specific primers. General rules for        primer design can again be taken from Krysan et al., 1999 (Plant        Cell 1999, 11, 2283-2290) Rescreening of lower levels DNA pools        lead to the identification of individual plants in which the        gene of interest is disrupted by the insertional mutagen.

EXAMPLES 15 Identification of Additional Homologs from Other Species,which can be Knocked Out in a Similar Fashion in Order to Get BiomassIncrease

Homolgous genes in other species can be found with techniques, wellknown to the person skilled in the art. For example homologous genes canbe found using low or medium stringency hybridisation of cDNA or genomiclibraries. The construction and screening of libraries has extensivelybeen described for example by Sambrook, J. et al. (1989) “MolecularCloning: A Laboratory Manual”. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press orAusubel, F. M. et al. (1994) “Current Protocols in Molecular Biology”,John Wiley & Sons). Alternatively expression libraries can be screenedfor homologous genes by antibodies prepared against the original gene ofinterest.

If sequence information are available or can be produced, homologousgenes can be easily identified through standard database searches withknown algorithms like blastn, blastp or blastx. More sophisticatedbioinformatics programs like the Pedant-Pro Suite from Biomax (BiomaxInformatic AG, Matinsried, Germany) supports the identification ofhomologs by homology searches but also by functional categorisations.Identified homologous can then be knock out in their source organisms insimilar manners as described above.

EQUIVALENTS

Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, or will be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Suchequivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

1. A process for the increase in yield of a plant, which comprisesreducing or deleting the expression of an oligopeptide transporterprotein in a plant, wherein the reducing or deleting comprises: a)introducing into a plant a nucleic acid molecule encoding a ribonucleicacid sequence, which is able to form a double-stranded ribonucleic acidmolecule, whereby the sense strand of said double-stranded ribonucleicacid molecule has a homology of at least 80% to a nucleic acid sequenceencoding the protein of SEQ ID NO: 2 or comprises a fragment of at least20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 bases of said nucleic acid sequence, andwhereby the antisense strand of the double-stranded ribonucleic acidmolecule is complementary to said sense strand; b) introducing into aplant an antisense nucleic acid molecule, whereby the antisense nucleicacid molecule is antisense to the full length of the transcribed mRNA ofa protein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of i) a nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide of SEQID NO: 2; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; and iii) anucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acidsequence having at least 80% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO: 2, having the biological activity of the OPT oligopeptidetransporter protein that is SEQ ID NO: 2, and comprising the sequence ofSEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 89, and SEQ ID NO: 90; c) introducing into aplant a ribozyme which specifically cleaves a nucleic acid moleculeconferring expression of a protein having the biological activity of aprotein encoded by a nucleic acid sequence selected from the groupconsisting of i) a nucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide of SEQID NO: 2; ii) the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; and iii) anucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acidsequence having at least 80% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO: 2, having the biological activity of the OPT oligopeptidetransporter protein that is SEQ ID NO: 2, and comprising the sequence ofSEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 89, and SEQ ID NO: 90; d) introducing into aplant the antisense nucleic acid molecule characterized in (b) and theribozyme characterized in (c); e) introducing into a plant a sensenucleic acid molecule conferring the expression of a nucleic acidsequence comprising i) the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1; ii) anucleic acid sequence encoding the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2; or iii)a nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acidsequence having at least 80% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQID NO: 2, having the biological activity of the OPT oligopeptidetransporter protein that is SEQ ID NO: 2, and comprising the sequence ofSEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 89, and SEQ ID NO: 90; for inducingco-suppression of an endogenous oligopeptide transporter protein; or f)introducing into a plant an expression construct conferring theexpression of any one of (a) to (e); and expressing said nucleic acidmolecule, wherein said expression results in increased plant yield. 2.The process of claim 1, wherein the plant is selected from the groupconsisting of Anacardiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Betulaceae,Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae, Bromeliaceae, Caricaceae, Cannabaceae,Convolvulaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Ericaceae,Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Geraniaceae, Gramineae, Juglandaceae,Lauraceae, Leguminosae, Linaceae, perennial grass, a fodder crop, avegetable, and an ornamental.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein thenucleic acid sequence of b) iii), c) iii), and e) iii) encodes apolypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, has the biologicalactivity of the OPT oligopeptide transporter protein that is SEQ ID NO:2, and comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 89, and SEQID NO:
 90. 4. The process of claim 1, wherein the nucleic acid sequenceof b) iii), c) iii), and e) iii) encodes a polypeptide comprising anamino acid sequence having at least 95% identity to the amino acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and has the biological activity of the OPToligopeptide transporter protein that is SEQ ID NO: 2, and comprises thesequence of SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 89, and SEQ ID NO:
 90. 5. Theprocess of claim 1, wherein the plant is selected from the groupconsisting of maize, soya, canola, wheat, barley, triticale, rice,linseed, sunflower, potato, and Arabidopsis.
 6. The process of claim 1,wherein the reducing or deleting comprises introducing into a plant anucleic acid molecule encoding a ribonucleic acid sequence, which isable to form a double-stranded ribonucleic acid molecule, whereby thesense strand of said double-stranded ribonucleic acid molecule has ahomology of at least 80% to a nucleic acid sequence encoding the proteinof SEQ ID NO: 2 or comprises a fragment of at least 20, 21, 22, 23, 24or 25 bases of said nucleic acid sequence, and whereby the antisensestrand of the double-stranded ribonucleic acid molecule is complementaryto said sense strand.
 7. The process of claim 1, wherein the reducing ordeleting comprises introducing into a plant an antisense nucleic acidmolecule, whereby the antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense tothe full length of the transcribed mRNA of a protein encoded by anucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of i) a nucleicacid sequence encoding the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2; ii) the nucleicacid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; and iii) a nucleic acid sequence encodinga polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 80%identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, having thebiological activity of the OPT oligopeptide transporter protein that isSEQ ID NO: 2, and comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO:89, and SEQ ID NO:
 90. 8. The process of claim 1, wherein the reducingor deleting comprises introducing into a plant a ribozyme whichspecifically cleaves a nucleic acid molecule conferring expression of aprotein having the biological activity of a protein encoded by a nucleicacid sequence selected from the group consisting of i) a nucleic acidsequence encoding the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2; ii) the nucleic acidsequence of SEQ ID NO: 1; and iii) a nucleic acid sequence encoding apolypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 80%identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, having thebiological activity of the OPT oligopeptide transporter protein that isSEQ ID NO: 2, and comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO:89, and SEQ ID NO:
 90. 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the reducingor deleting comprises introducing into a plant the antisense nucleicacid molecule characterized in (b) and the ribozyme characterized in(c).
 10. The process of claim 1, wherein the reducing or deletingcomprises introducing into a plant a sense nucleic acid moleculeconferring the expression of a nucleic acid sequence comprising i) thenucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1; ii) a nucleic acid sequenceencoding the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2; or iii) a nucleic acidsequence encoding a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence havingat least 80% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, havingthe biological activity of the OPT oligopeptide transporter protein thatis SEQ ID NO: 2, and comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ IDNO: 89, and SEQ ID NO: 90, for inducing co-suppression of an endogenousoligopeptide transporter protein.
 11. The process of claim 1, whereinthe nucleic acid sequence comprises SEQ ID NO: 1, or wherein the nucleicacid sequence encodes a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequenceof SEQ ID NO: 2.